How Quantum Computers Could Break Today’s Encryption Systems

In today’s society, cybersecurity has become the lifeblood of any organization’s survival and success, as they invest in data protection and privacy amid cyber threats that are increasingly complex and impactful.

Across the world and particularly in technologically advanced regions like Dubai, organisations are turning to trusted Cyber Security Companies in Dubai to safeguard their digital assets. However, a new technological wave is emerging that may disrupt everything we know about encryption and online security: quantum computing.

What Is Quantum Computing?

Quantum computing is a new computing paradigm that employs the concepts of quantum mechanics, the science of subatomic particles, to process information. Classical computers utilize bits (0s or 1s), while quantum computers utilize qubits; because a qubit can exist as both a 0 and a 1 at the same time, this is known as superposition.

Superposition enables quantum computers to rapidly perform extremely complex calculations at rates that are simply not even conceivable in today’s technology.

Although this discovery offers impressive advantages in medicine, finance, logistics, and other sectors, it is also one of the greatest threats to modern-day cybersecurity. The same incredible computing power that can change industries can also effectively destroy the current encryption methods.

How Does Today’s Encryption Work?

Encryption safeguards digital information by transmuting it into unreadable code that can only be decrypted using the proper key. Common examples of encryption systems include RSA (Rivest–Shamir–Adleman), AES (Advanced Encryption Standard), and ECC (Elliptic Curve Cryptography).

For instance, RSA protects the data by creating encryption/decryption keys from two large prime numbers. AES encrypts data in predefined-size blocks and is popular for protecting sensitive data. ECC allows for strong security implementations with smaller keys, which is advantageous for mobile and Internet of Things (IoT) systems.

All of these encryption methods are currently considered secure because they encode mathematical problems that would take classical computers thousands and potentially millions of years to resolve. However, quantum computers could, in theory, perform these calculations millions of times faster, and move “unhackable” encryption to hacks completed in the order of hours or even minutes.

Why Are We Concerned About Quantum Computers in Terms of Cybersecurity?

While quantum computers are young and developing in the lab, the pace has been astonishing. Major tech firms and leading researchers are struggling to achieve what is known as quantum advantage, the point at which quantum computers outperform classical systems in practical applications.

The danger comes from the possibility of quantum algorithms, such as Shor’s Algorithm, which could break RSA and ECC encryption by efficiently factoring large prime numbers. What this means is that at some point in the future, once quantum computers become powerful enough, they could decrypt sensitive data that is protected by one of today’s encryption algorithms.

Another alarming idea is what is referred to as “harvest now, decrypt later.” This concept could be interpreted as a cybercriminal or state actor collecting large sums of encrypted data today and storing it until quantum computers become sensitive enough to decrypt it. Sensitive financial, government, and personal information that is encrypted in today’s world may not be encrypted in the foreseeable future.

How should organizations prepare for the Quantum Age?

If society begins to move toward a quantum shift, we recommend organizations start to prepare for it now to ensure their future safety.

Conduct encryption audits

Every organization should assess its current encryption model and determine where a lack of encryption may exist, or under which portions of the encryption system may be vulnerable.

An encryption audit establishes a map of where sensitive information is stored, how it is encrypted, and the algorithms where post-quantum cryptography (PQC) needs to apply. This may establish a model to prevent massive security breaches when quantum technology becomes more mature.

Partner with cybersecurity experts familiar with PQC

Transitioning to quantum-resistant encryption requires technical expertise. Partnering with established Cyber Security Companies in Dubai, like Cloudlink IT Solutions, ensures that your business is guided by experts who understand both existing and next-generation security frameworks.

Cloudlink is at the forefront of helping organisations prepare for the quantum future by integrating post-quantum algorithms, improving cloud security, and adopting adaptive infrastructure protection strategies.

Stay updated on NIST recommendations

The United States National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is at the forefront of working on standardizing post-quantum encryption algorithms. Companies should pay attention to this standardization process as recommendations are made, preparing for testing post-quantum cryptography (PQC) systems once the recommendations are published.

Cloudlink IT Solutions actively communicates with clients as these standards are developed, so that when standards are ultimately finalized, clients can transition without disruption.

Adopt a zero-trust approach

The zero-trust model is already becoming the gold standard. It assumes that no user or system should be automatically trusted, even if they are inside the network. Cloudlink IT Solutions implements zero-trust architectures that limit access, verify every connection, and continuously monitor user behaviour. This layered security model is necessary for protecting systems from classical and quantum threats alike.

Conclusion

Quantum computing can transform the digital world for good and bad. While it brings novelties and speed, it poses perhaps one of the most significant cybersecurity challenges of our time. Preparing now is the only way to circumvent disruption later.

For organisations in Dubai and beyond, partnering with trusted Cyber Security Companies in Dubai like Cloudlink IT Solutions ensures long-term data security, operational continuity, and future readiness.

Cloudlink helps businesses strengthen their defences, adopt post-quantum cryptography, and embrace zero-trust systems, turning the uncertainty of quantum computing into a manageable, strategic opportunity.

Safeguard your digital future with Cloudlink IT Solutions,  your trusted cybersecurity partner in the UAE.