Quantum computing is a multidisciplinary field of computing that utilizes quantum mechanics to solve complex problems far quicker than classical computers. Once very much associated with hypothetical scenarios – and even science fiction – the real implications of quantum computing are beginning to be realized. This is raising new discussions and considerations around quantum computing’s potentil to transform business process automation.
“Quantum computing is at its infancy stage; however, it promises to revolutionize industries like cryptography, drug discovery and complex simulations,” says Prashanth Ram, CTO and co-founder of Smoothstack. “A reservoir of research and development positions, quantum software engineers, quantum algorithm developers and hardware specialists will not be far behind as quantum computing matures.”
Google’s quantum computing breakthrough
Google recently announced a breakthrough in quantum computing with its new “Willow” chip. According to Google, Willow succeeded in solving a computational problem so complex it would have taken today’s best super-computers an estimated 10 septillion years to solve it — vastly longer than the history of the universe.
Like Microsoft and IBM, Google is exploring quantum computing for its potential to vastly outperform traditional systems, with the power to revolutionize industries. This new chip has 105 qubits – which are the building blocks of quantum computers. Qubits are incredibly fast but notoriously error-prone, which has limited their usefulness. Google now says it has solved this by linking Willow’s qubits in a way that lowers error rates as more qubits are added.
“Google’s recent quantum chip breakthrough is a timely reminder that the clock is ticking when it comes to quantum preparedness,” says Kevin Bocek, chief innovation officer at Venafi, a CyberArk Company.
Quantum computing in process automation
Many business processes, especially in hands-on verticals like manufacturing, are a complex combination of machines, humans, movement and other inputs that all interlink in ways that lead to unpredictable outputs, says Simon D. Kim, CEO and co-founder at Glassdome. “Making things worse, a net loss of knowledge is occurring in the industry as older workers retire and aren’t effectively replaced by a smaller workforce.”
Quantum computing promises an enormous leap forward in power and problem-solving capability, which can automate all these moving pieces, solve multifaceted challenges and store and use process expertise that once only existed in experienced workers’ minds, Kim adds.
In theory, quantum computing can be particularly beneficial for certain sectors, such as finance and healthcare, says Vaclav Vincalek, CTO at Hiswai. “Business process automation hinges a lot on what data reveals, and quantum computing can exponentially speed up data analytics. When quantum computers are processing large amounts of data, they can perform computations simultaneously, which traditional computers cannot. “This helps businesses make more informed decisions faster, in real-time.”
Processes like supply chains, logistics and resource management could possibly benefit from quantum’s speed to adapt in real-time, and the cyber security world could rely on quantum computing’s speed to identify a myriad of potential risks before there’s even a chance of malicious actions, Vincalek says. “Quantum computing could also enhance the capabilities of artificial intelligence (AI). AI relies on constant feedback and data to retrain. With quantum computers, the retraining could occur at a fraction of the time, allowing systems to learn and self-correct almost instantaneously.”
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The integration of quantum computing with robotic process automation (RPA) and AI could help overcome regulatory challenges and system complexity in the healthcare sector, according to Conno Christou, CEO and co-founder at Keragon. “Healthcare regulations are vast, ever-changing and vary by region. Compliance is no easy feat. Enter quantum computing. Its ability to process massive volumes of text simultaneously can pull critical insights from regulatory documents in record time.”
What about interpreting dense medical jargon? Quantum-powered natural language processing (NLP) could enable AI to align with the latest standards, keeping automated systems not just efficient but always up to date, he adds.
“Healthcare organizations rely on intricate systems – patient records, billing and more. Quantum computing’s strength in optimization could revolutionize how these systems operate. Imagine AI-driven RPA monitoring operations in real-time, detecting inefficiencies and providing tailored fixes. For example, quantum algorithms could balance hospital resources while factoring in regulatory constraints.”
Risks and challenges of quantum computing
The quantum paradox is evident, but while the remarkable processing power of quantum holds boundless potential, it simultaneously poses a significant threat to the foundation of all data encryption. “We must not forget the security challenges associated with this advanced technology,” warns Tim Callan, chief compliance officer at Sectigo.
“In the event that a country does develop a quantum computer capable of breaking current encryption methods, it is likely that they would keep it a closely guarded state secret, as the UK did when it broke the Enigma code during World War II.”
For this reason, it is imperative that businesses take their own proactive measures to prepare for this eventuality by transitioning to quantum-safe algorithms before it is too late. “Transitioning to quantum-resistant cryptography will become a mainstream boardroom discussion,” Callan says.
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No longer a buzzword or a topic to be tabled, becoming ‘crypto-agile’ to prepare for post-quantum encryption will be a key focus for the C-suite this year. This shift has massively been supported by the National Institute of Standards and Technology’s (NIST) development of quantum-resistant encryption and its impactful educational campaign on quantum's threat to decryption. “They have now transformed a once theoretical discussion about decryption into a mainstream business focus.”
What’s more, while quantum computing is inherently designed to tackle complex problems, many examples point to classical AI as being the better method for improving business process automation, says Edward Tian, CEO at GPTZero. “As quantum computing is meant for the more complicated, difficult problems following the laws of physics, that alone has sometimes made classical AI better equipped to handle short-term physics and chemistry modeling. AI is algorithm-based and can be designed to do very specific things.”
Preparing for quantum computing
To prepare for quantum computing of the future, organizations must put emphasis on quantum programming languages, understanding the fundamentals of quantum mechanics and investigating quantum algorithms, says Ram.
Furthermore, maintaining trust in digital infrastructure is paramount, adds Martin Charbonneau, head of quantum-safe networks at Nokia. “Quantum computers offer the potential to revolutionize data processing and problem-solving, enabling unprecedented advancements across industries. However, this power also introduces significant challenges to the confidentiality, integrity and availability of data.”
Preparing for the quantum computing future requires a comprehensive and proactive approach. By adopting a defense-in-depth strategy and collaborating with industry partners, businesses can achieve quantum resilience and maintain trust in their digital infrastructure.
This major cryptography migration, essential in mitigating the risks posed by quantum computing, starts with the first post-quantum mathematical cryptography (PQC) algorithms announced by NIST and journeys through the standard bodies, Charbonneau says. “This migration will be a multi-year and complex process, requiring careful planning and execution. In this context, a defense-in-depth strategy that involves deploying multiple layers of protection is crucial to creating a robust and resilient security framework.”
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One practical implementation of this strategy is through quantum-safe networks (QSN). By collaborating with telecommunications operators or leveraging their own private networks, businesses can establish a quantum-safe network with multi-layered cryptography across various levels, such as IP and optical network layers. “These networks are designed to be scalable and adaptable to evolving quantum technologies and business-specific requirements,” Charbonneau says.
Network-level quantum-safe cryptography provides a crucial complement to application-level cryptography. By using different cryptosystems, such as asymmetric cryptography for application-level encryption and symmetric cryptography for network-level encryption, businesses can ensure comprehensive protection against quantum threats. “This multi-layered approach enhances both crypto-resiliency and crypto-agility, allowing organizations to swiftly adapt to new cryptographic standards and maintain robust security,” Charbonneau concludes.
Acting today will enable businesses to mitigate the risks of quantum computing, align with evolving regulations and frameworks and stay ahead in the quantum era.
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