This week came the National Strategic Overview for Quantum Information Science (QIS), released by a subcommittee of the Committee on Science for the National Science and Technology Council. This means myriad problems that are currently insoluble for digital computers, even the fastest supercomputers, will be solved by a future quantum computer. As noted, the plan also recognizes the need to develop a strong quantum workforce to sustain American leadership in the quantum arena for the long-term future. The coming years will witness the advent of a quantum computer powerful enough to break the encryption techniques currently used billions of times every day. Now we need a major national effort for securing critical data and networks before a quantum computer powerful enough to decrypt current systems is realized.

Source: Forbes September 28, 2018 16:52 UTC