Quantum computing isn’t science fiction anymore; 2025 is UNESCO International Year of Quantum Science and Technology. In March of this year also, NIST (the U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology) selected a new backup encryption method called HQC to strengthen post-quantum security. As advances accelerate and investments pour in from both governments and major enterprises, quantum technologies are beginning to reshape the landscape of cybersecurity and digital infrastructure.
At Badir IT Services, we believe in helping our clients future-proof their businesses. That means understanding how disruptive innovations—like quantum computing—might affect your operations, risks and opportunities.
In this article, we’ll talk about what quantum computing is, why it matters to businesses now, what’s being done globally and finally how your organization can prepare.
What Is Quantum Computing?
Quantum computing is a revolutionary approach to computing that uses the principles of quantum mechanics—superposition, entanglement and quantum interference—to solve complex problems far beyond the capabilities of today’s classical computers.
Unlike classical bits (which are either 0 or 1), quantum bits—or qubits—can be both at the same time. This means quantum computers can evaluate millions of potential solutions simultaneously, offering exponential speedups for certain classes of problems.
When Will Quantum Computing Become Real?
There is a growing consensus that quantum computing will become impactful in stages:
Where We Are Now: Beyond NISQ
We’re moving past the early NISQ era (Noisy Intermediate-Scale Quantum), where error-prone systems with hundreds of qubits laid the groundwork. While still imperfect, today’s quantum computers are already delivering value in:
- Optimization & simulation – tackling complex logistics, materials science, and drug discovery.
- Hybrid models – combining classical and quantum computing for problems neither can solve alone.
- Specialized use cases – startups and research labs are actively exploring traffic routing, early financial modeling and advanced design challenges.
2025–2030: Fault Tolerance & First Movers
The second half of this decade is expected to be a turning point:
- Fault-tolerant systems emerge – Industry leaders like IBM, Google and IonQ are targeting late-2020s for quantum computers that significantly reduce errors, enabling more powerful real-world applications.
- Quantum-safe cryptography adoption – With NIST’s post-quantum standards finalized, organizations are beginning to shift toward quantum-resistant encryption.
- Early business use – Companies will pilot quantum-enhanced analytics, supply chain optimization, and R&D acceleration—gaining a competitive edge.
- Progress in sensing & networking – Quantum sensors will drive breakthroughs in navigation, imaging, and science, while the first quantum-secure networks start appearing.
2030s: Quantum at Scale
By the 2030s, quantum computing could go fully mainstream:
- Cryptographic risk becomes real – A large-scale, fault-tolerant quantum computer could break RSA-2048 in hours. Any data not already secured by quantum-resistant methods may be at risk.
- Mainstream applications emerge – Expect to see quantum-powered AI, secure global communication networks, next-gen logistics, and faster drug development becoming standard.
- Crypto-agility is essential – Businesses that haven’t built flexibility into their encryption systems will face serious vulnerabilities. Adaptability will be key to surviving and thriving in the quantum era.
Although experts disagree on exactly when quantum computers will surpass classical ones, there’s no debate about the urgency of preparing for their impact. Encrypted data is already being collected with the intent to break it once quantum capabilities mature.
The key message, however, is that quantum computing will not arrive all at once—but the threats are already here, especially with “harvest now, decrypt later” tactics being used by some bad actors.
One of the most immediate concerns around quantum computing is its potential to break modern cryptographic systems. Encryption standards like RSA, ECC (Elliptic Curve Cryptography) and Diffie-Hellman underpin nearly all digital communications and financial transactions today. But these systems rely on problems (like prime factorization) that quantum computers can solve exponentially faster using algorithms like Shor’s Algorithm.
In other words: once large-scale quantum computers are operational, they could quickly decrypt sensitive data, forge digital signatures and render most public-key infrastructure obsolete.
Who’s Already Investing in Quantum Readiness?
Global powers are moving quickly:
- European Union: Backed by €1 billion from the Quantum Flagship, the EU is advancing quantum R&D with a strong focus on cybersecurity. Initiatives like QSNP and EuroQCI are building secure communications infrastructure using quantum key distribution (QKD).
- United States: The U.S. has been investing approximately $1billion yearly since 2020. The government has passed the National Quantum Initiative Act and is accelerating work in quantum-safe cryptography through NIST (National Institute of Standards and Technology).
- China: With an estimated $15–17 billion in quantum R&D funding, China leads in public investment. In March 2025, it launched a ¥1 trillion ($138B) fund to back emerging tech, including quantum computing. Then in May 2025 China Telecom unveiled the world’s first quantum-proof phone network.
- Tech Industry Leaders: IBM, Google, Honeywell and others are racing to build practical quantum systems. Amazon and Microsoft are investing in cloud-based quantum platforms.
Real-World Quantum Deployments:
Quantum is already moving out of the lab and into infrastructure:
Port of Rotterdam: Quantum-Secure Logistics
- Developed with Q*Bird, Eurofiber, Cisco and others.
- Implemented multipoint-to-multipoint QKD to protect communications between Portbase and the Port Authority.
- Scalable model enables other stakeholders like customs to join the quantum-secure network.
️Hamburg Airport: Quantum for Operational Optimization
- Launched the EQuAL Project to use quantum algorithms for gate assignment.
- Tackles the “gate assignment problem” where traditional computing falls short.
- Funded by the Hamburg Quantum Computing Initiative with €17 million.
Abu Dhabi: Secure Quantum Optical Ground Station
- Built by the Technology Innovation Institute (TII).
- Enables satellite-based QKD with multi-wavelength capability.
- A step toward global quantum-secure communication infrastructure.
United Kingdom: Quantum Navigation Trials
- First quantum navigation flight trial completed.
- Uses ultracold atoms for GPS-independent navigation.
- Resistant to jamming and spoofing, improving transport resilience.
How Can Your Business Prepare?
Quantum computing is a long-term technology—but the risk timeline is short. Here’s what your organization can do now:
✅ 1. Understand Your Exposure
- Audit your cryptographic infrastructure.
- Identify where you rely on vulnerable public-key encryption.
✅ 2. Begin Quantum-Resistant Migration
- Follow NIST’s post-quantum cryptography standardization process.
- Start adopting quantum-safe algorithms in non-critical systems.
✅ 3. Focus on “Crypto Agility”
- Design systems that can be easily upgraded to newer cryptographic standards.
- Avoid hardcoding cryptographic methods.
✅ 4. Monitor Quantum Developments
- Keep track of quantum breakthroughs and guidance from national security agencies.
- Consider participating in EU or regional quantum-readiness projects.
Quantum Threat or Quantum Opportunity?
Quantum technology poses both a serious cybersecurity challenge and a massive opportunity for innovation. Businesses that take the quantum threat seriously now will be better positioned to secure their data, build trust with customers and lead in an increasingly digital—and quantum—future.
