Every year on April 14, scientists, tech leaders, and educators around the globe observe World Quantum Day, a celebration of quantum science aimed at sparking awareness and inspiring future innovation. What started as a grassroots movement among physicists has quickly gained traction as the quantum conversation becomes increasingly relevant to our digital future.
Quantum computing isn’t a laboratory curiosity anymore. It’s a fast-approaching reality with the potential to reshape the technological landscape.
Why Quantum Computing Matters Now
Quantum computing isn’t about faster processors or bigger storage. It’s a completely different way of solving problems, one that could do in seconds what would take today’s most powerful supercomputers thousands of years.
Unlike classical computers, which process information in bits (ones and zeros), quantum computers use qubits, which can exist in multiple states at once. This means they can crunch massive datasets, simulate molecular interactions, and optimize complex systems in ways traditional machines simply can’t.
While the science behind it is mind-bending (like the idea that Schrödinger’s cat is both alive and dead until we observe it—a thought experiment on quantum superposition), what really matters for business and technology leaders is this: quantum computing holds the potential to unlock breakthroughs we can’t yet imagine, but it also introduces risks leaders must plan for today.
Quantum and Cybersecurity: A Looming Disruption
One of the biggest concerns around quantum computing is its impact on cybersecurity. Current encryption methods—the ones that protect your emails, bank accounts, and national secrets—rely on math problems that are nearly impossible for today’s computers to solve. But for a quantum machine? They could be child’s play.
That’s why security experts are increasingly worried about a cyber attack called “harvest now, decrypt later.” In this model, bad actors gather encrypted data today with the expectation that a future quantum computer will be able to crack it. And if you’re thinking this sounds like science fiction, think again.
According to a recent KPMG survey, most business and technology leaders believe quantum computers will be mainstream within the next five years, even if truly powerful quantum machines may not arrive until the 2030s. That creates a dangerous window: comprehensive encryption standards may take years to update and deploy, and data being stolen today could be exposed tomorrow.
In other words, quantum risk isn’t just theoretical, it’s already a strategic issue.
Getting Ready: What Organizations Can Do Now
You don’t need a physics degree to begin preparing for the quantum era. Forward-looking companies, researchers, and government agencies are already working on quantum-safe encryption, algorithms that can withstand attacks from both classical and quantum systems.
This push is part of a broader movement toward “quantum agility” or the ability to swap out encryption methods as vulnerabilities emerge or new standards are adopted. It’s not unlike updating your operating system or rotating API keys, but on a much larger, more foundational level.
In a recent Forrester blog post, analysts outline key actions security leaders can take now to build quantum resilience:
- Take inventory of your cryptographic assets: Know what encryption is used where, from internal apps to customer data, so your team can prioritize what needs to change.
- Monitor evolving standards: Keep an eye on guidance from bodies like NIST (National Institute of Standards and Technology), which is leading efforts to standardize post-quantum cryptography.
- Engage with vendors: Many tech providers are already working on quantum-safe solutions. Start asking them what they’re doing and how your organization can stay aligned.
- Build awareness across teams: Quantum security is cross-functional. Legal, compliance, procurement, and leadership teams should understand the risks and the roadmap.
From Hype to Action
World Quantum Day is about science and strategy. While there’s plenty of excitement around quantum computing, the real takeaway for business and technology leaders is clear: don’t wait.
Whether or not your organization will ever use a quantum computer directly, the ripple effects of this technology will be unavoidable—especially when it comes to securing data and maintaining trust. The time to prepare is before quantum computers become mainstream, not after.
So, on this World Quantum Day, take a moment to look beyond the buzz. Talk to your colleagues and team members what they think about quantum readiness and explore the possibilities for your own organization.
- McKinsey, The quantum technology ecosystem in 2024, 2024
- KPMG, KPMG in Canada Quantum Readiness Survey, May 2023
- Google, Meet Willow, our state-of-the-art quantum chip, Dec 9 2024
