The maturing development of quantum computing is poised to revolutionize technology in ways we are only beginning to understand, however, a less optimistic reality, in regard to cybersecurity, parallels closely the ongoing breakthrough. The encryption protocols that preserve our digital security can very likely be rendered obsolete in the near future, leaving networks across the globe vulnerable to unprecedented attack vectors and threats. To understand the urgent matter at hand, it is important to explore the timeline of cyber risks as it is today and what lies ahead. The Foundation of Modern Cybersecurity All digital security today relies heavily on encryption algorithms, such as RSA, AES or ECC. These systems ensure communications remain confidential, transactions are protected, and sensitive data are safeguarded from bad actors. Their individual strengths lie in the computational complexity needed to break them. For example, breaking the RSA cryptosystem involves factoring large numbers, a task that would take classical computers millions of years to accomplish. However, in 1994 Peter Shor introduced a novel algorithm that could theoretically break RSA encryption if properly executed with a quantum machine. Shor’s algorithm proved that quantum computers can easily perform prime factorization of large numbers, effectively breaking RSA, and threatening the backbone of digital security that relies so heavily on this cryptosystem. This discovery is largely considered the origin of the quantum threat timeline.

Theoretical Practices and Early Quantum Machines

By the early 2000’s, computing witnessed a divergence from theoretical conjecture to the development of early-stage quantum machines. While the prototypes built in the early 2000’s had limited qubits, their construction paved the way for future advancements. As researchers began to understand the widespread implications of quantum computing in cybersecurity organizations such as The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) began preemptive discussions of quantum-resistant cryptographic algorithms.

2010: The Race Intensified

The turning point in the quantum timeline came in the 2010’s as governments, institutions and private companies began investing significantly in the development of larger-scale quantum machines and applications. Many tech giants began pouring money and resources into research and development with IBM, Google and Microsoft leading the charge. Realizing the direct and indirect implications quantum technology could have in regard to economic and strategic advantages, The U.S, China and the European Union started multi-billion-dollar commitments into quantum initiatives, spurring a race to achieve quantum supremacy across the globe. During this same time, researchers made significant progress in advancing error correction rates, refining surface codes and topological qubits.

2020’s: A Decade of Urgency

This decade has been characterized by rapid advancements in quantum technology and a growing sense of urgency regarding the accompanying quantum threats. With established players such as IBM and Google reaching new heights in quantum processing, more nascent companies emerge bringing innovative approaches set to drive the industry to its next phase. Governments around the world have launched initiatives to advance quantum technology working closely with private organizations, fueling concerns about an international quantum arms race. One of the most pressing concerns is the Harvest Now, Decrypt Later (HNDL) threat, where adversaries are beginning to collect and store encrypted data with the hopes of decrypting it at a later date with capable quantum machines. This makes even current encrypted data vulnerable to future attacks, especially in sectors like healthcare, finance and national security. While large-scale fault tolerant quantum machines are not yet commercially viable or operational, the rates of advancement have contributed to significant milestones that indicate a pressing need for proactive security measures to safeguard against imminent threats.

2030’s and Beyond: The Post-Quantum Era

By the late 2020’s and into the early 2030’s, large-scale, fault-tolerant quantum machines will likely begin to commercialize and enter the public sphere. These quantum computers will be capable of performing operations in a fraction of the time required by classical computers, including executing algorithms like Shor’s, likely threatening the total security of current encryption methods. As quantum computers evolve at a rapid pace, the need for proactive measures to protect against emerging threats has never been more urgent. The significance of these threats is no longer theoretical and the implications on data security are profound.

Zeroproof: Post-Quantum Symmetric Key Distribution

Zeroproof offers a first-of-its-kind symmetric key distribution method for the assurance of critical assets, data & communications. Zeroproof's Emulated Quantum Key Distribution (eQKD) system delivers robust, quantum-resistant encryption that addresses the vulnerabilities of current security infrastructures. Unlike traditional methods, eQKD offers true symmetric encryption that seamlessly integrates over existing internet infrastructure. This scalable, software-based solution is designed to protect critical data, communications, and assets against both present and future cyber threats. By proactively incorporating quantum-safe technology today, Zeroproof ensures long-term security against the looming quantum computing revolution—securing communications even as new threats emerge.