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However, the report\u2014released Tuesday<\/a>\u2014makes clear that quantum computers\u00a0pose a dramatic threat<\/a>\u00a0to the encryption that secures today\u2019s networks and computer systems and calls for the development of cryptography immune to quantum computers as fast as\u00a0possible.<\/p>\n\u201cEven if a quantum computer that can decrypt current cryptographic ciphers is more than a decade off, the hazard of such a machine is high enough\u2014and the timeframe for transitioning to a new security protocol is sufficiently long and uncertain\u2014that prioritization of the development, standardization, and deployment of a post-quantum cryptography is critical for minimizing the chance of a potential security and privacy disaster,\u201d the report\u00a0states.<\/p>\n
The report was requested by the Office of the Director of National Intelligence in an effort to determine the current state of the art in the field, progress toward general-purpose quantum computers and the ramifications of the\u00a0technology.<\/p>\n
The\u00a0U.S.<\/span>\u00a0is leading the pack of nations researching quantum information science, but the report suggests large investments, including those made by China, have created a global field. The private sector is the largest contributor of American quantum computing research and development, but the report outlines a scenario where government agencies may need to step in to ensure U.S.\u00a0superiority.<\/p>\n \u201cIf near-term quantum computers are not commercially successful, government funding may be essential to prevent a significant decline in quantum computing research and development,\u201d the report\u00a0states.<\/p>\n Both the\u00a0White House<\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0Pentagon<\/a>\u00a0have introduced plans to maintain edges in quantum computing as buzz around the technology continues to\u00a0grow.<\/p>\n Mark Horowitz, Standard University and chair of the committee on technical assessment of the feasibility and implications of quantum computing, said it is still too early to know what fields quantum computing will offer the most potential to impact. Use cases will include astrophysics and models that could help scientists better understand the universe and encryption\u2014which is rooted in mathematics problems that are difficult for classical computers to carry out. Yet Horowitz said lots of uses likely won\u2019t be known for a\u00a0while.<\/p>\n \u201cIf quantum computing changes what can be computed, many fields could change,\u201d Horowitz said Tuesday on a call with reporters. \u201cThere is a value in creating and catching this\u00a0wave.\u201d<\/p>\n