Recent developments in quantum computing could have major benefits for scientific and medical research, but experts say they also present a new set of challenges for those responsible for ensuring cybersecurity and data encryption.
Marc Manzano, general manager of cybersecurity at SandboxAQ, a company that works at the intersection of quantum technology and artificial intelligence, said the world is getting closer "to this big moment where we might have a quantum computer that will be able to decrypt any digital communications that we're having nowadays".
For several years, the promises of quantum computing existed mainly in marketing materials provided by companies advertising continuing research and development. Now, scientific breakthroughs backed by published research are coming to fruition, and Mr Manzando said the long-promised benefits of quantum computers might soon become reality.
In the last 12 months alone, quantum computing-related announcements from many technology players have been plentiful. The Alphabet-owned Google unveiled Willow, a state of the art quantum chip that it said will pave the way for breakthroughs in large-scale quantum computing, in early 2024. In February, Microsoft revealed its Majorana 1 quantum chip, which is based on an entirely new state of matter. Most recently, Amazon announced its "cat qubit" powered chip.
Conventional computers process data in bits and have a binary value of zero or one, whereas quantum computers can process digits simultaneously using a two-state unit called a qubit. What that means is that data crunching for research can now be done in a fraction of the time, potentially yielding new breakthroughs in science and medical research.
It also means, however, that if quantum technology were to fall into the hands of bad actors, it could create cataclysmic security concerns. In terms of technology and data cryptography, Mr Manzano says that government institutions, as well as financial service companies, for whom cybersecurity is paramount, are vulnerable to the misuse of quantum computing – and they're not the only ones.
"Telecommunications, oil and gas, logistics, transport, energy, power grids, anything that falls under the category of critical infrastructure could face challenges," he told The National, advising industries to begin investing in increased encryption and cybersecurity research. "We [SandboxAQ] are working with a lot of entities that are taking this seriously and have really large budgets to do so. But what happens with 99 per cent of other entities worldwide?"
Most recently, Mr Manzano pointed out that the central bank of Israel issued a directive for banks to prepare for scenarios in which quantum computers "will be more readily available" and therefore present a significantly higher security threat.
"This directive is prompting banks to deploy the necessary tools that are going to allow them to actually know what kind of cryptography is being used, monitor data migration in an automated manner, with the possibility to kind of manage that risk in a very efficient way," he explained. Mr Manzano said that other countries should introduce something similar to blunt possible cybersecurity and encryption vulnerabilities.
The new frontier for cybersecurity, he added, will revolve around products that allow companies and governments to have quantum-resistant cryptographic algorithms. He also said technology companies like SandboxAQ have been researching the potential threat from quantum for many years and already have tools to help various institutions.
"We're helping companies modernise the way they manage cryptography," he said, noting that there are still many entities that are not necessarily prepared for the threat posed by quantum technologies. "You don't want to be seen as a decision-maker for a company that's not caring about this."
Director: Laxman Utekar
Cast: Vicky Kaushal, Akshaye Khanna, Diana Penty, Vineet Kumar Singh, Rashmika Mandanna
Rating: 1/5
Volvo ES90 Specs
Engine: Electric single motor (96kW), twin motor (106kW) and twin motor performance (106kW)
Power: 333hp, 449hp, 680hp
Torque: 480Nm, 670Nm, 870Nm
On sale: Later in 2025 or early 2026, depending on region
Price: Exact regional pricing TBA
Specs
Engine: Dual-motor all-wheel-drive electric
Range: Up to 610km
Power: 905hp
Torque: 985Nm
Price: From Dh439,000
Available: Now
The specs: 2018 Chevrolet Trailblazer
Price, base / as tested Dh99,000 / Dh132,000
Engine 3.6L V6
Transmission: Six-speed automatic
Power 275hp @ 6,000rpm
Torque 350Nm @ 3,700rpm
Fuel economy combined 12.2L / 100km
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How to apply for a drone permit
- Individuals must register on UAE Drone app or website using their UAE Pass
- Add all their personal details, including name, nationality, passport number, Emiratis ID, email and phone number
- Upload the training certificate from a centre accredited by the GCAA
- Submit their request
What are the regulations?
- Fly it within visual line of sight
- Never over populated areas
- Ensure maximum flying height of 400 feet (122 metres) above ground level is not crossed
- Users must avoid flying over restricted areas listed on the UAE Drone app
- Only fly the drone during the day, and never at night
- Should have a live feed of the drone flight
- Drones must weigh 5 kg or less
MATCH INFO
Fixture: Thailand v UAE, Tuesday, 4pm (UAE)
TV: Abu Dhabi Sports
MATCH INFO
Bangla Tigers 108-5 (10 ovs)
Ingram 37, Rossouw 26, Pretorius 2-10
Deccan Gladiators 109-4 (9.5 ovs)
Watson 41, Devcich 27, Wiese 2-15
Gladiators win by six wickets
The%20specs
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More on Quran memorisation:
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The Perfect Couple
Starring: Nicole Kidman, Liev Schreiber, Jack Reynor
Creator: Jenna Lamia
Rating: 3/5
RESULT
Esperance de Tunis 1 Guadalajara 1
(Esperance won 6-5 on penalties)
Esperance: Belaili 38’
Guadalajara: Sandoval 5’
COMPANY%20PROFILE
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The%20specs
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THE DETAILS
Kaala
Dir: Pa. Ranjith
Starring: Rajinikanth, Huma Qureshi, Easwari Rao, Nana Patekar
Rating: 1.5/5
Why your domicile status is important
Your UK residence status is assessed using the statutory residence test. While your residence status – ie where you live - is assessed every year, your domicile status is assessed over your lifetime.
Your domicile of origin generally comes from your parents and if your parents were not married, then it is decided by your father. Your domicile is generally the country your father considered his permanent home when you were born.
UK residents who have their permanent home ("domicile") outside the UK may not have to pay UK tax on foreign income. For example, they do not pay tax on foreign income or gains if they are less than £2,000 in the tax year and do not transfer that gain to a UK bank account.
A UK-domiciled person, however, is liable for UK tax on their worldwide income and gains when they are resident in the UK.
The specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo
Power: 261hp at 5,500rpm
Torque: 405Nm at 1,750-3,500rpm
Transmission: 9-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 6.9L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh117,059
Match info
Premier League
Manchester United 2 (Martial 30', Lingard 69')
Arsenal 2 (Mustafi 26', Rojo 68' OG)
What are the main cyber security threats?
Cyber crime - This includes fraud, impersonation, scams and deepfake technology, tactics that are increasingly targeting infrastructure and exploiting human vulnerabilities.
Cyber terrorism - Social media platforms are used to spread radical ideologies, misinformation and disinformation, often with the aim of disrupting critical infrastructure such as power grids.
Cyber warfare - Shaped by geopolitical tension, hostile actors seek to infiltrate and compromise national infrastructure, using one country’s systems as a springboard to launch attacks on others.
MATCH INFO
Borussia Dortmund 0
Bayern Munich 1 (Kimmich 43')
Man of the match: Joshua Kimmich (Bayern Munich)
