Is Quantum Computing Ready for Mainstream in 2025?

As we approach 2025, the world stands on the cusp of a computing revolution that promises to reshape industries and redefine the future of cybersecurity: quantum computing. The global quantum computing market size was valued at USD 885.4 million in 2023 and is projected to grow from USD 1,160.1 million in 2024 to USD 12,620.7 million by 2032, exhibiting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 34.8% during the forecast period.

While the technology itself is not new, its rapid evolution in recent years signals that it may soon become mainstream, affecting everything from research and development to IT security. Although we may be several years away from quantum computers that can crack today’s encryption methods, the pressure to prepare for this shift is intensifying.

Quantum computing offers a radically different approach to problem-solving, with the potential to unlock vast new capabilities. However, it also introduces complex risks, especially in terms of cybersecurity, that cannot be ignored. The next few years will be pivotal in determining how well industries are prepared to handle the challenges—and the opportunities—that quantum computing will present.

The Quantum leap defining a shift in computing paradigms

Quantum computing’s potential lies in its ability to solve complex problems far beyond the capabilities of today’s classical computers. By harnessing the principles of quantum mechanics, such as superposition and entanglement, quantum computers can process vast amounts of data simultaneously. This opens up new possibilities for industries like pharmaceuticals, materials science, logistics, and artificial intelligence (AI). Tasks that currently take traditional computers decades could be completed in a fraction of the time with quantum technology.

However, as organizations explore the immense computational power of quantum systems, there’s a looming threat on the horizon: the security of current encryption methods. These encryption systems are the backbone of modern cybersecurity, protecting everything from online banking transactions to sensitive government data. The rise of quantum computing threatens to render many of these encryption methods obsolete. With quantum systems capable of solving complex cryptographic problems exponentially faster than classical systems, the protection of personal and national security data becomes a serious concern.

Preparing for a Post-Quantum Future

In response to the looming quantum threat, cybersecurity experts are taking proactive measures. While large-scale, fault-tolerant quantum computers are still a decade or more away, their potential to compromise existing encryption systems is prompting organizations to act now. Cybercriminals are already storing encrypted data with the hope of decrypting it once quantum computers become operational, underscoring the urgency of preparing for a post-quantum world.

One of the immediate steps businesses can take to prepare for quantum computing is transitioning to quantum-resistant algorithms. The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is already certifying post-quantum encryption solutions, which are expected to become widespread in the coming years. This shift will not only protect data from quantum threats but also enhance the resilience of cybersecurity systems against more conventional attacks.

As operating systems and web browsers begin integrating quantum-safe cryptographic libraries, organizations will need to ensure their systems are compatible with these new standards.

Furthermore, businesses should conduct a comprehensive cryptographic inventory. Identifying which encryption methods are used across systems, from VPNs to external server access and remote communications, will help pinpoint areas of vulnerability. Understanding how data is currently protected, and which areas are most at risk from quantum threats will allow organizations to create a roadmap for adopting post-quantum encryption solutions.

The Road Ahead: Balancing Current Threats with Future Preparedness

While the quantum revolution is inevitable, it’s crucial to recognize that today’s cybersecurity challenges are far more pressing than those posed by quantum computing. The most immediate threats to businesses are still those posed by cybercriminals using traditional methods like phishing, ransomware, and data breaches. These threats continue to evolve and grow in sophistication, posing an ongoing challenge for IT security teams.

That said, the time to prepare for the quantum era is now. The window to transition to quantum-safe encryption may seem distant, but the earlier businesses start planning, the better prepared they will be when quantum computers finally come online. In addition to adopting post-quantum cryptography, organizations should strengthen their overall cybersecurity posture by improving security hygiene, patching systems regularly, and using advanced threat detection methods.

Quantum-safe encryption should be viewed as part of a broader cybersecurity strategy that includes both immediate defenses against current threats and long-term preparations for the quantum era.

In the coming years, businesses that proactively prepare for quantum computing will gain a key advantage. Though fault-tolerant quantum computers are still years away, their gradual development is already reshaping cybersecurity. Companies ready with post-quantum encryption will be more resilient as quantum technology becomes mainstream by 2030.

In conclusion, while quantum computing may not go mainstream by 2025, it will be a critical year for preparation. The race to quantum-resistant systems is underway, and businesses that act now will be best positioned to thrive. With strategic planning and investment, organizations can embrace the quantum shift and secure their future.

-By Robert Haist, Chief Information Security Officer (CISO), TeamViewer