Quantum computers could soon unlock every secret on the internet

Space · Published 23 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Our digital world relies on math problems so difficult that current computers cannot solve them. But a new generation of machines is being built that could crack these codes effortlessly, potentially exposing every bank account, medical record, and government secret in existence.

Modern cryptography functions like a digital lock, using complex mathematical problems that are practically impossible for today's hardware to solve. This system secures everything from personal smartphone data to global financial transactions. However, the rise of quantum computers introduces a fundamental shift. Unlike classical computers, these machines leverage quantum physics to perform specific tasks—like discovering new medications—at speeds that could render our current "locks" useless. These algorithms are the fundamental technology used to protect information both while it is stored on a device and as it travels over the internet. Current hardware simply lacks the capacity to easily perform the math required to break these specific codes.

The threat is significant: a sufficiently powerful quantum computer could systematically bypass the encryption protecting personal information, business trade secrets, and government intelligence. Because of this looming vulnerability, researchers and government agencies are currently in a race to develop "post-quantum cryptography" (PQC). The objective of PQC is to engineer new mathematical problems so complex that even the processing power of a quantum machine cannot solve them. NIST researcher Andrew Regenscheid is currently working to stay ahead of this looming issue. The urgency stems from the rapid progress being made by both industry and researchers toward building these advanced machines. This race is essential to ensure that our data remains protected from future attacks.

The transition is already beginning. For instance, Chinese scientists have utilized quantum satellites to create "unhackable" encryption based on quantum principles. While this represents a leap toward perfect security for some, it highlights the dual nature of the technology. We are entering a period of transition where the very tools that could provide absolute privacy also pose the greatest threat to the privacy we currently take for granted. This specific Chinese achievement involves a tiny satellite designed to facilitate this new communication method. It represents a major shift in how we might approach digital privacy in the coming years. The goal is to ensure that our internet traffic remains secure against the unique capabilities of quantum physics.

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