Amid fears that quantum computers may one day crack classical encryption algorithms, computing giant IBM has unveiled its new Quantum Safe technology to protect businesses and governments from the risks quantum computing poses to the security of their crucial data.

While quantum computing has several potential benefits, it also comes with disadvantages, as quantum computers may eventually grow powerful enough to crack encrypted data. As a leader in quantum computing, IBM foresaw the risks and hopes to mitigate them using the novel Quantum Safe technology.

The tech has a wide range of capabilities designed to prepare clients for the post-quantum era using tools like the IBM Quantum Safe Explorer, the IBM Quantum Safe Advisor, and the IBM Quantum Safe Remediator.

The Quantum-Safe Explorer allows businesses to scan source codes to identify vulnerabilities, aggregate them, and view potential risks in one place. On the other hand, the Advisor lets organizations create an operational view of the risks to prioritize critical ones and guide remediation. Finally, the Quantum Safe Remediator allows for easy deployment of quantum-safe remediation patterns to ascertain their impacts on systems and assets.

Why quantum-safe tech is critical

Classic encryption algorithms are strong enough that it will take a classical supercomputer a few million years to crack them, making them sound very secure. However, quantum computers should be several thousand times faster than the average classical supercomputer.

Experts estimate that the average quantum computer will only need a few hours to a few days to crack a 2,048-bit RSA key, which is a huge security risk. While quantum computers are nowhere near widespread, things will likely not stay like this forever.

However, businesses that adopt quantum-safe technologies like IBM’s should be safe whenever quantum computers eventually grow powerful enough to penetrate classic encryption algorithms.