What are tomorrow's quantum threats?

Most people trust that the passwords, bank accounts, medical records and private messages they use every day are protected by encryption. But as quantum computing advances, some of today’s most widely used security tools could eventually become breakable. 

That means information stolen now could potentially be saved and unlocked years later, when quantum computers are powerful enough to crack protections that current computers cannot. 

World Quantum Readiness Day, observed this year on Sept. 17, is meant to raise awareness of that risk and encourage governments, companies and researchers to prepare for a more secure future using post-quantum cryptography, or PQC.

Michel Kinsy is an associate professor in the School of Computing and Augmented Intelligence, part of the Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering at Arizona State University. In his role as director of ASU’s Secure, Trusted, and Assured Microelectronics, or STAM, Center, he leads research in hardware security, secure microelectronics design and post-quantum cryptography systems.

In this Q&A, Kinsy explains what quantum readiness means and why advances in quantum technologies and artificial intelligence may affect the way society protects information in the years ahead.