Tap Dancing On the Head of a Pin
Quantum computing. It sounds so futuristic when you think about it, blending atomic level physics with algorithmic math in order to decrypt our most powerful security features. Some say itâs the wave of the future, others think itâs just going to be a fancy new way to be exploited. Either way, as a matter of real concern, itâs not in my opinion. Because itâs still at a theoretical stage.
However, that brings up the question: when will it no longer be theoretical? In my previous report on this topic, I stated that I didnât think quantum computing would be a reality in my lifetime. Being generous with my life expectancy, thatâs another 30-40 years. And what I mean by that is I donât think we wonât have working prototypes, I think we will. Proof-of-concept models already exist, in fact. Therein lies the limitation to making them a reality, too. Those models have a stable âshelf-lifeâ of microseconds.
Conceptually, the idea that photons of light can be used to answer computational questions is fascinating. Harnessing that power, however, is impractical. As physical, biological beings we simply cannot process or function at the speed of light. It takes years of strenuous training and experience just to function at the speed of sound, which is exponentially slower. And speaking of the practical, there is also the aspect that quantum computers will be so prohibitively expensive to produce that they wonât be worth it at any scale unless our entire global system of resource allocation changes. Not to mention the issue of light being both particle and wave, which means that in an if/then scenario, which is how linear computation works and therefore is how every computer that exists today is built, lightâs answer is âall of the aboveâ.
Quite frankly, the idea of quantum computing is some sci-fi speculation like one might see in a Star Trek episode. Itâs akin to the idea of Utopia, which relies on so many factors that are simply unfeasible considering what human nature is like.
But letâs assume, for the sake of argument, that Q-Day is coming soon. This being the moment when quantum computers can break todayâs public-key cryptography, and is the subject of most of the concern surrounding it. Encryption is the current standard for keeping digital information secure. One must have a key to unlock it in order to see the data. Having a machine that can in essence bypass that key makes encryption as a form of security moot. Okay. Sounds terrifying from a defense standpoint.
But hereâs the thing: itâs already moot in many cases. Not because encryption is easy to break, but because there are vastly more simplified ways to get around it. The average supply chain attack going on in the current landscape isnât decrypting anything. Itâs using lateral movement from a compromised third party to gain access to data using stolen authentication tokens. Why break the lock when you can just use the key someone left lying around? Experts are so worried about encryption being the point of failure when we canât even get enterprises to stop using âadmin123â as a password. Itâs a philosophical issue more than a tangible one. How many angels can dance on the head of a pin? Who cares? We have real problems requiring real solutions right now.
Posted, 5/21/26



















