It may not be quite the buzzword AI has rapidly become, but quantum computing still represents a significant technology shift when you consider an increase in computational power that will enable solutions to problems currently insurmountable for even the most advanced supercomputers.  Leveraging the principles of quantum mechanics, quantum computers have the potential to revolutionize fields ranging from medicine and materials science to finance and AI itself. 

Think about AI’s potential when upgraded with new and exponentially more powerful algorithms and unparalleled learning capabilities.  With quantum on its way, today’s AI may only be scratching the surface of the possible.

That said, while it will certainly give today’s AI a massive turbo boost, quantum computing is not just about faster processing, but about enabling entirely new classes of computations that can tackle a vast range of fundamental challenges facing the world – ones we simply don’t have the computational power to resolve (yet).

Imagine the acceleration of drug discovery through complex molecular simulations, the creation of novel materials with unprecedented properties, or the optimization of intricate logistical networks.  Quantum (News - Alert) will enable a wide range of new scientific and medical breakthroughs that currently exist only as aspirations.  For instance, quantum computers could simulate molecular interactions with such accuracy that new medicines and therapies could be designed and tested virtually, drastically reducing development timelines and costs.  Or they could help model the behavior of atoms and molecules in a way that would support creation of revolutionary novel materials with enhanced energy efficiency, durability, and other desirable characteristics.  

Then there’s the cryptography and cybersecurity angle, which, for most organizations is probably the most significant quantum-related development.  After all, once threat actors gain access to quantum decryption technologies – and they will – businesses will be sitting ducks without quantum-resistant defenses.  The good news is that, while it poses a potential threat, quantum computing also is poised to deliver the solutions to combat those threats through the development of secure quantum communication networks.

 But, here’s the real question:  As the pieces fall into place, are organizations ready for the quantum era?

A new survey from DigiCert says no, especially when it comes to cryptography.  The "2025 Quantum Readiness Pulse (News - Alert)" shows a significant disconnect between projections for quantum breakthroughs and organizational preparedness, which means businesses are going to need to strategize quickly to be ready when it happens.

A substantial majority (69.2%) of enterprises expect quantum computers to break current encryption within the next five years.  This isn't a distant, theoretical threat. It's a rapidly approaching horizon.  Here’s the rub:  About half of those companies actually see quantum decryption happening within two years, significantly increasing the urgency for preparedness – especially considering that 78% of businesses admit that significant portions of their organizations’ data are vulnerable to future quantum attacks.

Here’s where a few disconnects come into play.  A mere 5% of enterprises say they have quantum-safe encryption in place, which means 95% don’t.  Even if you only look at a 5-year quantum time frame, that figure is still at 64% of companies that should be concerned.

Oddly, despite only 5% having quantum-safe encryption in place, 38% feel they are very prepared for quantum threats, and 19% say they are extremely prepared. 

One also has to wonder (making some assumptions about correlations between responses) about some 17% of businesses that don’t already have quantum-safe encryption, yet also don’t think their data is vulnerable to quantum attacks. 

The combination of near-term quantum decryption capabilities and acknowledgement of widespread vulnerability is acknowledgement that the quantum threat is very real.  If businesses don’t prepare now, even if they have been vigilant about protecting sensitive customer data, financial records, intellectual property, and other information in a pre-quantum world, all of that will be for naught once all of that data becomes accessible to quantum-powered threats.

But, let’s not ring the death knell just yet.  Even those enterprises who see a more aggressive time frame for quantum decryption have some time (not much, though) and about 31% believe they can deploy quantum-safe encryption within 1-2 years.  That covers those who project a two-year time frame for quantum decryption (including those who say they already have quantum-safe encryption).  Another 35% see 3-5 years as a realistic deployment time frame, which covers those who see a parallel decryption timeline.

It does beg the question, though, were responses to quantum-proof deployment time frames dictated by previous responses to quantum decryption timelines, without real thought to the realities of the situation?

One also have to wonder about the 31% who think it will take more than six years for quantum computers to break current encryption, and the 35% who think it will take that long to deploy quantum-safe protection.  Then again, assuming a correlation between responses to the two questions, it’s also reasonable to conclude that, timelines for the two would logically be similar.  But, what if they’re wrong – they are in the minority, after all.

There also could be unforeseen challenges moving to quantum computing and developing and implementing quantum-resistant encryption.  It won’t be as simple as replacing your old laptop with a new Copilot-enabled one today. 

“Migrating to post-quantum cryptography isn’t just a software patch—it’s a foundational shift that requires full visibility into your cryptographic environment, upgrades to hardware, migration to quantum-safe roots of trust, and cross-functional coordination,” said Jim Goodman, CTO, Crypto4a.  “Those already underway are ahead of the curve and better equipped to handle what’s next.”

Indeed, while the development of quantum computers and cryptographic algorithms is a work in progress, once ready for stable and scalable deployment, business have to be ready.  They can’t afford to wait.  Bad actors can afford to be wrong; they can try again.  Enterprises don’t have the same luxury, so they have to get it right the first time, which means their technology has to be up to the task.

Organizations shouldn’t underestimate the complexity and cost of migrating to quantum-safe infrastructure.  They will need to invest in understanding new cryptographic methods, upgrading or replacing their existing systems, and potentially retraining personnel, all of which will require careful planning, resource allocation, and a deep understanding of data security needs.

Even then, some things will never change.  Once quantum computing is ready for widespread adoption, it will face many of the same challenges as today’s hardware and software and organizations will need to remain agile and adaptable as the quantum landscape develops. 

But, they can’t do that without being prepared for the initial shift.  Knowing that a quantum breakthrough is on the horizon, enterprises must prepare for it.  They must move decisively to understand the quantum threat landscape, assessing their vulnerable data, and formulating a concrete strategy for transitioning to quantum-safe encryption.  

“Organizations should already be into the early phases of their quantum readiness plan – starting with asset discovery and risk assessment, with the ultimate goal of crypto-agility,” said Kevin Hilscher, Senior Director of Product Management at DigiCert.  “The groundwork being laid today will determine which organizations are positioned to maintain trust and resilience when quantum computing becomes a reality.”

Waiting is no longer an option; the quantum clock is ticking and you can bet bad actors aren’t going to wait and, in fact, are banking on organizations failing to prepare effectively.