(PhysicsWorld) The phrase “quantum Y2K moment,” the idea that a quantum computer could break the cryptographic systems that protect Internet traffic, is suddenly receiving a great deal of attention. “I think it’s partly that people have woken up to cybersecurity and network security in the last year or two,” says Chris Erven, a Bristol researcher.
Quantum computers are much more of a “thing” now than they were a couple of years ago (though powerful ones are still a long way off), and nothing concentrates minds like a looming threat. All in all, it seems like the quantum Y2K story will remain relevant for a good while yet.
‘Quantum Y2K Moment’ Suddenly Receiving Great Deal of Attention
