Preparing for quantum computing’s impact on cyber security and digital infrastructure
Quantum computers could one day break the encryption that protects online data, posing a serious threat to digital infrastructure from secure websites to cryptocurrencies. This challenge, and the urgent need to prepare for a post-quantum security era, was discussed during a recent TechCentral.ie webinar moderated by editor Niall Kitson.
Marc O’Regan, EMEA CTO, Dell Technologies Ireland; Deirdre Kilbane, director of research, The Walton Institute; John Woods, CTO, The Algorand Foundation; John O’Donoghue, Equinix senior global solutions architect; and Prof Felix Binder, assistant professor in Quantum Science, School of Physics, Trinity College Dublin; and Donal Óg McCarthy, EMEA cloud and application security lead, Accenture.
Kicking off the discussion, Woods warned that quantum computers could seriously undermine the encryption securing much of today’s digital infrastructure. He explains this threat revolves around the ‘discrete logarithm problem’, a complex mathematical challenge that underlies widely used encryption methods such as elliptic curve cryptography, which is common in cryptocurrencies. While traditional computers struggle with this problem, quantum computers could solve it far more quickly, in what’s known as polynomial time, making current protections vulnerable. Though some encryption methods may remain secure in the short term, Woods stressed that businesses shouldn’t wait to act. “People need to take it seriously. Major companies are already integrating new types of encryption that can withstand quantum attacks.” Woods mentioned that the Foundation, which has already deployed such protections.
Adding context to the timeline, Kitson pointed out that the United Nations has named 2025 the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology. Experts predict ‘Q Day’, the day quantum computers could crack current encryption, might arrive around 2035. A poll during the webinar showed that half of the audience had already started talking about quantum computing in their IT planning.
Offering a strategic viewpoint, O’Regan emphasised the inevitability of the post-quantum era, warning that “current encryption will be cracked” and stressing that preparation is no longer optional.
O’Regan also noted this uncertainty around the precise date but stressed the inevitability of a post-quantum era. Regardless of the exact date, he urged companies to act now.
Accenture’s Donal Óg McCarthy chimed in the discussion emphasising the urgency of preparing now, while highlighting the importance of updating old security systems. He stressed the necessity of “crypto agility,” which means companies must develop the ability to rapidly switch to new forms of encryption. According to Accenture, businesses will need this flexibility by 2030, which aligns with some Q Day predictions.
McCarthy explained that this 2030 target represents Accenture’s estimate by which organisations will need to be able to “swap in and out these algorithms, protocols in a very operational way” as existing protocols come under threat in the approaching post-quantum era. While powerful quantum computers capable of breaking current encryption are still considered years away, experts warned that building strategies, updating infrastructure, and training staff today is essential to stay secure for when Q Day finally comes.
The conversation around quantum computing is a pressing strategic concern for governments, businesses, and technologists alike. As timelines for Q Day remain uncertain, the consensus is clear: waiting to prepare is not an option. The shift to post-quantum security will require new technology, flexible organisations, careful planning, and major investment. Those who act now will be better positioned to navigate the disruption ahead.
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