UK warns businesses on quantum computer hacking risks

Britain's National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) has issued a warning about the risk of quantum computer hacking by 2035. The agency advises businesses and governments to update their digital security measures with stronger encryption methods that can withstand future quantum technologies. In new guidelines published on Thursday, the NCSC highlighted that the threats of quantum computing are not being taken seriously enough. They explained that as quantum computers advance, they will be capable of breaking traditional encryption widely used to protect digital information. Quantum computing uses principles of physics to perform tasks much faster than current computers. Though the technology is still developing, experts believe that "Q-day," when a powerful quantum computer can crack common encryption, could occur in the next decade. A spokesperson from the NCSC emphasized that the 2035 timeline is not a fixed prediction of when quantum hacking will start. Instead, they encourage a gradual transition to "post-quantum cryptography" based on technological advances. They believe organizations have enough time to prepare for this shift. To start the migration, the NCSC recommends beginning adjustments as early as 2028. They suggest companies conduct thorough assessments and create migration plans to protect sensitive data before quantum computers become a threat. Recent reports indicate that readiness for new security methods is low among various countries. In addition, Europol, the EU’s police agency, has noted that quantum computing, alongside artificial intelligence and blockchain technology, is affecting crime, making criminal operations more efficient and sophisticated.