Category: Media Features

Preparing for Y2Q: Meeting the Talent Requirements of Quantum Computing’s Disruption Chase Harrison of Kingsley Gate in conversation with NBC News Radio

Listen to Senior Partner Chase Harrison in conversation with NBC News Radio, where he dives into the Y2Q disruption and explores the connection to quantum computing’s inevitable impact on cryptography, cybersecurity, and beyond.

Join us as we explore key insights from this dialogue, including the potential dangers of quantum computing to current encryption standards and the promising advancements it could unlock in various fields.

Reporter: Thank you for joining us today, Chase. We’re here to talk about Y2Q. Why don’t we start by defining what that is?

Key Insights by Chase

  • Current cryptography systems will go obsolete: Y2Q, or “Year to Quantum,” refers to a future point in time when quantum computers will be powerful enough to break current cryptography systems.
  • This is similar to Y2K: Y2Q prioritizes a focus on the vulnerability of data security.

Reporter: Tell us a little bit about the dangers involved. Are these computers so much more powerful that they can just break through any kind of encryption?

Key Insights by Chase

  • Quantum computers will significantly weaken current encryption: Compared to traditional computers which might take hundreds of years, quantum computers could break current encryption systems in a few hours.
  • The timeframe is uncertain for this event: Estimates for when quantum computers will pose a threat to cryptography vary widely, ranging from 4-5 years to 10-15 years from now.
  • The impact of Y2Q will be widespread: Various sectors like finance, aerospace, and defense will be significantly affected by the weakening of current encryption.

Reporter: So, no one knows exactly how long this will be, but it sounds like something people don’t want to be caught off guard about. How seriously are people taking this right now?

Key Insights by Chase

  • Key stakeholders are actively preparing for Y2Q: Entities like financial institutions and government agencies understand the potential risks and are taking steps to mitigate them.
  • Awareness of the implication of Y2Q is on the rise: While awareness of the potential risks associated with Y2Q is increasing, the level of preparation varies across industries and organizations.
  • Data stolen today could be vulnerable in the future: Even if data is encrypted now, it could be decrypted by quantum computers in the future, potentially compromising its security.
  • Current safeguards aim to protect data from future threats: Existing security measures are being implemented with Y2Q in mind, focusing on protecting data stolen today from future decryption attempts.

Reporter: This is a completely different situation from Y2K, but I know it took a massive effort of people working together. What kind of effort is this going to take to prepare?

Key Insights by Chase

  • Y2Q is an ongoing concern requiring continuous effort: The threat of quantum computers breaking encryption is already present and will likely require ongoing efforts to mitigate.
  • Post Quantum Cryptography (PQC) offers potential solutions: Advancements in mathematics, like PQC, are being developed to protect data even after current encryption becomes vulnerable.
  • Focus on both protection and opportunities: While Y2Q raises cybersecurity concerns, it also presents exciting possibilities in various fields beyond just cryptography.

Reporter: Tell me a little bit about what we can expect to see. What are the benefits here?

Key Insights by Chase

  • Quantum computing has the potential to revolutionize industries such as finance, healthcare, logistics, and materials science by solving complex optimization and simulation problems.
    • Drug Discovery and Design: Y2Q will revolutionize the pharmaceutical and healthcare sectors by facilitating a better understanding of chemicals, leading to efficient drug design and discovery.
    • Material Science and Engineering: This technology will play a crucial role in developing new materials like advanced batteries with improved design and efficiency.
    • Logistics and Transportation: Y2Q holds immense potential in optimizing transportation and logistics through efficient route planning and supply chain management, addressing issues like disrupted supply chains witnessed during the COVID-19 pandemic.
    • Unforeseen Opportunities: Similar to the initial uncertainty surrounding cloud computing in 2004, Y2Q presents a vast landscape of yet-to-be-discovered opportunities across various fields.

Reporter: How will Y2Q’s emergence impact talent recruitment?

Key Insights by Chase

  • Quantum specialists across various disciplines: The emergence of quantum computing necessitates the development of new roles, such as quantum machine learning engineers, quantum software engineers, and even specialists in finance and data science with a focus on quantum applications.
  • Demand for individuals with physics expertise: Human expertise in physics-based methodologies will be essential for harnessing the full potential of quantum computing and addressing cybersecurity challenges.
  • Continuously growing workforce needs: The quantum computing industry is experiencing a constant increase in demand for skilled personnel, indicating strong future job market growth.