Mr. Pavan, a leader in the field, highlights that “quantum computing is approaching a tipping point where classical encryption will struggle to keep up.”
Even then, less than half of enterprises are prepared for post-quantum challenges. That gap is pushing boards, investors, and labs to change priorities fast. The race has now started, and only the most active ones will be able to keep up, as explained by Mr. Pavan.
He views this as a turning point, stating that security teams are no longer just defenders; they are the agenda setters. Their requirements are shaping research roadmaps and where the money will flow.
Can Cybersecurity Pressure Spark Quantum Breakthroughs?
Security needs are doing more than forcing upgrades in quantum computing. They are giving quantum research a direction to move into. When leaders demand future-proof encryption, funding naturally follows.
“Could cybersecurity fear actually be the fuel steering quantum innovation? Most probably,” he said while explaining how cybersecurity needs are forcing companies to build smart computers that can handle future attacks.
From his perspective, the recent headlines about PsiQuantum securing $1 billion in funding illustrate this perfectly. Their main aim is to build fault-tolerant quantum systems. However, what stood out to him was the urgency in the investor community.
Even the governments and regulators are setting the tone with NIST’s 2024 post-quantum standards, moving to PQC. With nearly two-thirds of organizations fearing quantum technology, cybersecurity is definitely impacting the quantum computing space.
How Cybersecurity Is Actively Shaping Quantum Computing
Quantum computing is closer than we all anticipate. And it’s changing how we think about security, research, and even technology development.
However, there is a positive impact as well, as companies are moving more toward developing solutions that will revolutionize the cybersecurity space. Here are some ways cybersecurity is influencing the quantum revolution:
Building Quantum-Resistant Algorithms
Quantum computers are fast (really fast). But that speed is a double-edged sword because it can break classical encryption like RSA or ECC. That’s why experts are racing to create quantum-resistant algorithms.
For instance, NIST finalized its first post-quantum cryptography standards in 2024. These include lattice-based and hash-based methods designed to withstand quantum attacks.
If there were no demands from cybersecurity, quantum computing might just focus on speed and overlook the need to protect companies from its risks.
Influencing Research Priorities
Did you know governments are already directing quantum research based on security needs? The UK’s NCSD, for example, recommends that organizations prepare for quantum-safe encryption by 2035.
These policies and timelines indirectly force research teams to change their trajectory. Due to this, the teams have to focus on creating secure systems along with building powerful quantum computing systems.
And when there’s a security concern, the funding usually flows automatically. That’s exactly what’s happening in the quantum computing and cybersecurity space, as explained by Mr. Pavan as well in his recent interview.
Bringing Innovation in Secure Communication
Ever heard of Quantum Key Distribution (QKD)? It’s one of the most exciting developments in secure communication. By using quantum mechanics, QKD creates encryption keys that cannot be intercepted without being noticed.
Companies like QNu Labs are experimenting with integrating QKD into networks. In simple words, the need for secure messaging is pushing companies to come up with new technologies, thus shaping the practical application of quantum computers.
Shaping AI and Quantum Collaboration
According to ISACA, 63% of cybersecurity professionals believe quantum computing will increase security risks. And with AI in its midst, these models will be much faster and more capable.
“Think about it,” Mr. Pavan said, “this isn’t just a tech upgrade, it’s a new landscape of risks. That’s why companies are now designing quantum-safe AI tools.”
This pressure from cybersecurity is guiding how AI algorithms are designed for quantum machines. It’s a feedback loop: the threat exists, researchers respond, and the computing technology responds.
Guiding Infrastructure Development
Have you heard of the “Harvest Now, Decrypt Later” threat? It means hackers could steal encrypted data today and just hold on to it. When quantum computers are strong enough, they can unlock all of it. That’s why future-proofing matters now, not later.
One day, quantum computers might break the encryption we use today. Even if that sounds far away, companies aren’t waiting.
Big cloud providers are already testing post-quantum encryption to protect data before quantum machines become powerful enough to crack it.
If Everyone Sees the Risk, Why Aren’t More People Acting?
“Almost everyone talks about the danger of quantum computing, but very few are actually ready for it,” Mr. Pavan said.
He further added, “Only around 5% of organizations are prepared for quantum threats, which means the other 95% are still exposed.”
That’s a massive gap.
Research shows that 41% of companies say that they don’t plan to address quantum computing concerns anytime soon. It’s mainly because most leaders still see it as a “future problem,” even though cybercriminals are already preparing with tactics like HNDL.
“What do you think is the main reason behind this slow response? Cost is definitely one of the biggest ones,” Mr. Pavan shared. And that’s true because updating encryption across global systems is expensive and not as easy as it sounds.
Another reason, however, is awareness. Many executives don’t fully understand the urgency of the threat. The result? A dangerous paradox where everyone knows the risk exists, but very few are taking action.
Which Industries Will Feel the Impact First?
“Some sectors can’t afford to wait. Finance, healthcare, and government will feel the heat first,” Mr. Pavan explained.
“They hold the kind of data that quantum attackers would target immediately, like money, medical records, and state secrets.”
For instance, consider finance. Banks rely on encryption for everything from online transfers to fraud detection. In fact, financial institutions are among the most at risk because quantum could easily break current public-key cryptography.
Healthcare, however, faces a different problem. Patient data is sensitive, and research data is priceless. A 2024 IBM Security study found that the average healthcare breach costs $11 million, the highest among all sectors.
“Quantum-safe identity protection and data safeguards are no longer optional here,” Pavan noted.
There’s Still Time to Get Out of the 95%
Even though business leaders now know how disruptive cybersecurity has been, 95% of them are still not prepared for it. However, for you, there’s still time to have a plan in place before the cybersecurity landscape forces quantum computing to develop faster.
One day, the algorithms we rely on will simply stop being safe, maybe in a decade or two. And if you haven’t prepared, you’ll already be too late.
The choice is now yours.
