AI-generated summary
Quantum technology leverages the principles of quantum mechanics to create advanced computing, communication, and cryptography systems that significantly outperform traditional technologies. Central to this is the concept of quantum bits, or qubits, which can exist simultaneously as 0 and 1, enabling massive parallel processing and rapid problem-solving capabilities. Unlike classical computing that relies on binary bits with two states, quantum computing uses entangled qubits to address complex challenges more efficiently, opening new possibilities in material science, design, logistics, control, and secure communication networks such as the quantum internet.
A key application of quantum technology is quantum cryptography, which enhances communication security through techniques like quantum random number generation (QRNG) and quantum key distribution (QKD). QRNG produces truly random, unpredictable numbers essential for encryption, while QKD allows two parties to share secret keys securely, detecting any eavesdropping attempts. Looking ahead, Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC) is being developed to protect information against future quantum threats by employing diverse algorithms, including lattice-based cryptography and multivariate equations. Hybrid quantum computing, which combines classical and quantum methods, aims to harness the strengths of both to improve cybersecurity and privacy. Overall, these advancements are poised to reshape economic and social landscapes, anticipating future challenges and innovations, as highlighted in the forthcoming Megatrends 2025 report.
During the last century, computing achieved what seemed impossible at the time: applying quantum laws in computing environments. Today it transforms the present and the future, and its challenges, especially in terms of security and privacy, are already addressed from the most cutting-edge innovation
Quantum technology uses this branch of mechanics to develop computing, communication or cryptography systems that operate much faster than conventional technologies. It is based on the fact that quantum bits (basic units of information to encode data or qubits) are dual; that is, they can be 0 and 1 at the same time. They thus have enormous processing power, which allows them, for example, to complete many massive calculations almost instantly and simultaneously.
Computing is one of the disciplines that has adopted this technology. In the classic version, information is sent in binary bits that can only be in two states (on and off, 0 and 1). Quantum physics, however, entangles many qubits with enormous processing capacity with each other, and therefore addresses and solves complex problems in a much more agile way.
The possibilities that this technology has gradually opened up for more than 75 years, after the first quantum revolution, seem destined to reconfigure the economic and social horizons of the world. It proposes new alternatives in the behavior of materials, in design processes, and in logistics and control. Also in the quantum internet, through more advanced processing for remote access or content exchanges; and, above all, in terms of security, through cryptographic systems that protect any information transmitted.
Quantum cryptography establishes more secure communications through quantum random number generation (QRNG) and quantum key distribution (QKD). QRNG creates figures without any pattern, numbers that are really random and unpredictable, since this branch of physics is indeterministic. This feature is essential to encrypt communications and shield their inviolability.
QKD also consists of creating random and secret keys between a sender and a receiver that share a quantum channel. Both can share encoded qubits and detect any attempts at external observation.
This technology, however, has gone further in recent years. The idea is to get ahead of the future with PostQuantum Cryptography (PQC).
Protecting the future today
These are cryptography systems designed to secure information against future quantum threats. To do this, they apply a multitude of algorithms that can replace or complement more conventional systems and, therefore, potentially more vulnerable.
These systems use lattice-based cryptography (LBC), error-correcting code, isogenies (mappings between elliptic curves), multivariate equations, braid groups, or hash functions, among other possibilities. Virtually any current mathematical problem can be part of a cryptosystem.
The so-called quantum-resistant cryptography must anticipate increasingly sophisticated cyberattacks adapted to a purely digital world, although without neglecting the aspects present outside the network.
Because quantum computing must coexist and evolve alongside the others, such as neuromorphic, photonic, or classical computing. Hybrid quantum computing refers precisely to this coordination between the different processes of a classical and a quantum computer to take advantage of the virtues of each and strengthen the security and privacy of citizens.
In fact, all quantum computing is in a certain sense hybrid because both branches narrow classical and quantum calculations, speed up execution time and facilitate the creation of new algorithms, which are precisely the essence for guaranteed cybersecurity.
The idea behind all this technology is the intention to understand and foresee the future that awaits citizens. The upcoming Megatrends 2025 report will contribute to this collective knowledge through an analysis of the trends in innovation that will define a future yet to come, but which is being built today.
