A few days ago, I had the opportunity to watch an episode on technology topics developed by Hannah Fry (a British mathematics professor and excellent interviewer) for Bloomberg.
This particular episode addresses the current development and growth of quantum computing, the advantages it offers for the future of humanity when applied to sciences (such as biotechnology, space, etc.), and also explains why it is considered a national security concern in many states.
But first, it is important to understand what quantum computing is:
The computers found in most of our homes and workplaces process bits, which is the language interpreted by their logical circuits represented as 0 and 1.
If we want to mathematically interpret the operation 1 + 1 = 2 in the binary system using the digits 0 and 1, the addition of bits is carried out following rules similar to those of the decimal system—but keeping in mind that only two digits exist. Here is a step-by-step explanation of the operation:
Binary Addition Rules
• 0 + 0 = 0
• 0 + 1 = 1
• 1 + 0 = 1
• 1 + 1 = 0 with a carry of 1 (because 1 + 1 = 2, and in binary, 2 is represented as 10)
The 1 + 1 Operation in Bits
When adding 1 + 1:
• You obtain 0 in the current position.
• A carry is generated (the “1” that is passed to the next higher position).
This is represented as:
1
+ 1
–––––
10
In this addition, the “10” in binary is equivalent to 2 in the decimal system because:
• The left digit (1) represents 2¹ (i.e., 2).
• The right digit (0) represents 2⁰ (i.e., 0).
As we can see in this operation, the sequence is linear and resolves one operation at a time.
Bit operations are performed in segments of 8 bits, which follow a specific sequence.
But what is the difference with quantum computing?
Home computers—or those available in our workplaces—use bits as the basic unit of information, whereas quantum computing employs “qubits” or “quantum bits.” What is the difference between the two? Imagine that bits are like the two faces of a coin (heads and tails) represented as 1 and 0. Now, imagine tossing the coin in the air while it spins; this is the representation of qubits. The spinning coin symbolizes the multiple states a qubit can simultaneously and entangledly assume, allowing for the analysis of a superposition of information in 1 and 0.
Another characteristic of quantum computing is interference, which allows for the combination and cancellation of probabilities of different states.
In the previous paragraphs, we provided a technical definition of quantum computing; now, let us consider its importance.
- Speed in Problem Solving: Some tasks, such as simulating complex quantum systems (for example, molecules for the development of new drugs), can be performed much faster than with traditional computers.
- New Algorithms: Quantum algorithms for factorization and searches generate efficiencies that no traditional computer can currently achieve.
- Security and Cryptography: This presents both an opportunity and a challenge. Consider bank tokens with their resolution probabilities and encryption methods—they are exposed to this type of processing capability. Therefore, how secure will today’s information security methods be?
It is considered that we are currently in the first wave of quantum computing development, and ecosystems formed by research centers, private companies, and governments are working on the deep development of this tool that will change the world as we know it. This ecosystem is not always collaborative among different countries, as made clear in the interview with Hannah Fry by IBM’s VP of Research, Dario Gil. He confirms that ecosystem collaboration breaks down, for example, when working with the Chinese government—due to issues related to United States national security, companies like IBM cannot share their work with other governmental entities, institutions, or companies that might be seen as adversaries or having interests contrary to those of the country.
Quantum computing represents a paradigm shift in the way information is processed, based on physical principles that defy our classical intuition. With qubits that can be in multiple states at once and the ability to become entangled, quantum computers could solve problems that today seem intractable. However, the path toward practical and large-scale implementation is still filled with technical challenges.
What Challenges Does Quantum Computing Bring for the Security of Our Information and Governments?
Vulnerability of Current Cryptography
Cryptography Based on Classical Mathematics:
Most encryption systems that protect governmental communications and sensitive information—such as RSA or ECC (elliptic curve cryptography)—are founded on mathematical problems that, with current computational resources, are practically unsolvable in a reasonable time. These schemes rely on the difficulty of problems such as factoring large numbers or computing discrete logarithms.
The Threat of Shor’s Algorithm:
The advent of quantum computing implies the potential use of Shor’s algorithm, which can factor large numbers exponentially faster than any known classical algorithm. This means that, in a scenario where a sufficiently powerful quantum machine exists, the security of algorithms like RSA would be compromised. An attacker could decrypt encrypted messages or intercept critical communications, posing a direct risk to national security.
Impact on Government Security
Protection of Sensitive Data:
Governments store and transmit enormous volumes of classified information, from military strategies to diplomatic and financial data. If current cryptography becomes obsolete in the face of quantum computing, this information could be compromised, exposing state secrets and putting the stability and sovereignty of nations at risk.
Interception of Communications:
Secure communications—used in authentication protocols and the transmission of sensitive information—depend on the strength of cryptographic algorithms. With the quantum threat, it is possible that malicious actors—whether cybercriminals or foreign states—could intercept and decrypt critical communications, facilitating espionage, sabotage, or even coordinated attacks.
The “Retroactive Opportunity Window”:
A particularly alarming aspect is the risk that data encrypted today, which may appear secure, could be stored and later decrypted once quantum technology is available. This means that sensitive information collected now could be used against governments years later, when quantum capabilities surpass the limitations of classical algorithms. Regarding prime numbers and their use in encryption as matters of national security, it is recommended to watch the series produced by Apple called “Prime Target,” where, through fiction, the use of mathematical science for encryption and its impact on national security agencies is explored.
What Are the Benefits of Quantum Computing?
Quantum computing represents a paradigm shift that promises to revolutionize multiple fields due to its ability to process information exponentially more efficiently than classical machines. Among its benefits are:
- Simulation of Complex Systems: It allows for modeling and simulating systems at the molecular and atomic levels, which can accelerate the discovery of new drugs, materials, and catalysts.
- Advanced Optimization: It helps solve optimization problems in areas such as logistics, resource planning, and artificial intelligence, enabling faster and more efficient solutions.
- Advances in Cryptography: Although quantum computing poses challenges to traditional encryption methods, it also opens the door to new security protocols, such as quantum cryptography, which offers virtually unbreakable communications.
- Enhancements in Artificial Intelligence Algorithms: By leveraging quantum properties, it is possible to process large volumes of data and train AI models more rapidly, which can transform sectors such as medicine, economics, and engineering.
In summary, quantum computing not only drives technological advances but also opens new possibilities to tackle complex problems that are currently intractable, benefiting humanity on multiple levels.
I am sharing a Bloomberg Technology segment on quantum computing.
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/videos/2024-09-26/quantum-computing-the-future-with-hannah-fry-video
Article Developed by Germán Pardo
Sources: IBM QUANTUM, IEEE Xplore, Bloomberg Technology, MIT Technology Review, ACM Digital Library