Network and edge

Are businesses ready for the disruption of quantum computing?

Article Apr. 3, 2025 Read time: 1 min

Quantum computing is set to revolutionize enterprise technology, delivering unparalleled processing power and solving complex problems that classical systems can’t tackle. As this technology advances, it will have profound impacts across industries.

But the rise of quantum technology will also usher in a new set of risks and challenges. Data protection becomes a critical concern, as quantum computers have the potential to break current encryption methods, leaving sensitive information vulnerable. IT infrastructure readiness is another major hurdle, as existing systems may struggle to integrate with quantum technology. Regulatory compliance adds another layer of complexity, with organizations needing to navigate evolving laws and standards.

“One of the biggest challenges for businesses looking to adopt quantum technology will be updating legacy infrastructure and managing the transition while the technology matures,” said Paul Savill, Global Practice Leader for Network and Edge at Kyndryl. “High costs, integration complexities and uncertainty about large-scale viability add to the difficulty. Proactive planning and early adoption of quantum-resistant solutions are essential for long-term security and resilience.”

Quantum computing is an innovative approach to calculation that uses principles of fundamental physics to solve highly complex problems quickly.

Source: McKinsey & Company


Here, Savill reveals how quantum computing could impact data encryption, enhance AI and machine learning, and reshape industries.

 

 

How will quantum computing change data encryption?

The rapid advancement of quantum computing seriously threatens traditional encryption methods like the Rivest-Shamir-Adleman (RSA) algorithm and Elliptic Curve Cryptography (ECC). Both of these technologies are currently designed to secure most online communication.

In a post-quantum world, quantum-safe networks will be crucial for data protection. Businesses should consider strategies that include adopting post-quantum cryptography (PQC) and quantum key distribution (QKD) to guard against future decryption risks. Organizations must begin transitioning to mitigate the threat of “harvest now, decrypt later” cyberattacks, where encrypted data is stolen today with the intent of decoding it once quantum capabilities become available.

 

 

Let’s discuss how quantum technology could enhance AI and machine learning.

The intersection of quantum computing and AI is poised to unlock powerful new capabilities. With quantum support, AI models could process and analyze massive datasets faster, enabling more accurate predictions and insights. Additionally, AI-enhanced quantum-safe networks could revolutionize cyber threat detection and response. As AI and quantum computing evolve, they are increasingly becoming interdependent, each amplifying the other’s strengths.

“
One of the biggest challenges for businesses looking to adopt quantum technology will be updating legacy infrastructure and managing the transition while the technology matures.

Paul Savill

Global Practice Leader, Network and Edge

 

How will quantum computing reshape enterprise IT infrastructure and cloud strategy over the next decade?

As quantum computers scale from 100 to 300+ qubits, organizations will begin to see tangible advantages over classical systems in real-world scenarios. This will have profound implications for cloud computing, data management and IT architecture. Cloud providers may offer quantum-as-a-service, giving enterprises access to advanced computing power without needing in-house infrastructure. Businesses will need to rethink their cloud strategies to integrate quantum.

 

 

Speaking of businesses, will some industries be revolutionized more than others?

Quantum computing will transform key industries thanks to new capabilities. In finance, for instance, it will improve fraud detection and secure transactions, reducing financial risks. In healthcare, it will protect patient data and help researchers collaborate securely, leading to medical breakthroughs. Researchers have used quantum computing to enhance genome sequencing to generate insights that may aid in developing novel treatments and therapies, addressing the underlying genetic causes of diseases. In the logistics and transportation industry, we could see it optimize delivery routes and packing arrangements, making operations more efficient and cost-effective. Scientists are exploring if quantum computing can improve the efficiency and accuracy of weather forecasting and climate modeling, which can help government agencies like the Federal Emergency Management Agency better prepare for extreme events like hurricanes or tornadoes.

 

 

Quantum readiness is a hot topic. How can organizations prepare for the challenges ahead?

To stay ahead, organizations must begin preparing today by adopting a quantum-safe framework. This involves evaluating current cryptographic systems, implementing quantum-safe encryption, training teams on quantum readiness, and testing and transitioning to post-quantum ciphers. Enterprises should consider adopting PQC — the next-generation crypto algorithms designed to withstand quantum cyberattacks, and QKD — a secure method for exchanging encryption keys exclusively between trusted parties. 

Since no encryption method can be considered completely future-proof, organizations must prioritize crypto agility — the ability to swiftly transition between different post-quantum cryptographic algorithms as quantum advancements unfold. This flexibility ensures that if a particular algorithm is compromised, businesses can efficiently shift to a more secure alternative without overhauling their entire infrastructure.

Proactive planning and early adoption of quantum-resistant solutions will be essential to ensuring long-term security and operational resilience.

 

Paul Savill

Global Practice Leader for Network and Edge

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