Quantum Computing’s New Role

Quantum Computing’s New Role

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The internet of things (IoT) is the collection of devices that are connected to the internet, from laptops and smartphones to copy machines, refrigerators at home, etc. However, anything that’s connected to the internet can be vulnerable to cyberattacks, and therefore these devices and networks should be secured.

One of the possible solutions could be quantum computing. Quantum computing which is still in a development stage will impact the landscape of artificial intelligence and data analytics. The quantum computing power and speed will influence: optimization of computing power, computing models, network latency, interoperability, artificial intelligence (human/computer interface), real-time analytics and predictive analytics, increased storage and data memory power, secure cloud computing, virtualization, and the emerging 5G telecommunications infrastructure. 

Quantum computing will have a major impact on IoT. Currently cryptographic algorithms are being used to help secure the communication (validation and verification) in the IoT. But because they rely on public key schemes, their encryption could be broken by sophisticated hackers using quantum computers in the not so distant future.

Quantum computing has the ability to create an almost un-hackable network of devices and data. The need to securely encrypt and protect IoT connected devices and power them with exponential speed and analytical capabilities is an imperative for both government and the private sector.

According to forbes.com, as quantum computing and IoT merge, there will also be an evolving new ecosystem of policy Issues. These include ethics, interoperability protocols, cybersecurity, privacy/surveillance, complex autonomous systems, best commercial practices.