Catching rogue agents and preventing cyberattacks—quantum computing is about to have its ‘ChatGPT moment’

Quantum computing is on the verge of making a significant impact in the world of computing, much like how ChatGPT revolutionized the field of artificial intelligence. Unlike classical computing, which uses bits to encode information, quantum computing uses quantum bits, or qubits. Qubits can exist in multiple states simultaneously, a phenomenon known as superposition, enabling them to perform complex calculations at a speed that surpasses classical computing.

However, qubits can be unstable and prone to errors due to environmental factors like temperature and pressure fluctuations. Despite this, major tech companies like IBM, Google, and Microsoft are heavily investing in quantum computing research, with pure play operators also driving the market towards billions of dollars in valuations.

Oxford Quantum Circuits (OQC), a European player in this field, recently raised £260 million ($345 million) to further develop their quantum technologies. One of the most promising applications of quantum computing, according to OQC's CEO Gerald Mullally, is in enhancing cybersecurity. By detecting anomalous behavior in networks and identifying threats, quantum computing could help businesses strengthen their defences against cyber attacks.

Quantum computing could also have a profound impact on anomaly detection, allowing companies to identify patterns and relationships in data that classical computing struggles to comprehend. The earliest use cases for quantum computing, Mullally explains, will likely involve fraud detection and anti-money laundering measures within the financial services sector.

As quantum computing's capabilities continue to grow, with average quantum algorithms capable of executing a million steps without error by the years 2028 to 2031, businesses will increasingly see the commercial advantage of adopting this technology.