Quantum hacking: the emerging cybersecurity concern
Nearly half of all UK businesses reported experiencing a cyber security attack or breach in 2024 alone, according to the UK Government; with the cost of the most disruptive breach averaging £3,550.
Technology is evolving rapidly, and breakthroughs like quantum computing – while providing exciting opportunities – are causing new and increased concerns about the cybersecurity preparedness of UK businesses.
As the country’s largest independent specialist communications business, Daisy is constantly working with partners like Bytes and ESET to monitor and identify current and emerging threats, and to help UK businesses find best-fit, future-proofed cybersecurity solutions that protect our country’s organisational and personal data.
What is quantum computing?
Until now, computers have used bits for processing. Essentially, each bit can act either as a 1 or a 0 at any one time.
Quantum computers however use qubits, which harness the power of quantum mechanics to enable a ‘bit’ of data to act as both a 0 and 1 simultaneously.
This enables quantum computing to sift through many potential solutions simultaneously; zeroing-in on a correct answer very quickly, in a way conventional computers cannot.
How far along is quantum technology?
Quantum computing technology has been in early availability for a number of years, and major commercial players like Google and Microsoft have recently launched ground-breaking quantum products to the global market.
In December 2024 for instance, Google launched a new quantum computing chip called ‘Willow,’ which can perform a standard benchmark computation in under five minutes – the same computation would take one of today’s fastest supercomputers 10 septillion years to complete (or 1025 years, vastly exceeding the age of our universe).
And in February 2025, Microsoft released the world’s first topoconductor quantum chip – a development that signals industrial-scale quantum computers may now be just a few years away.
“In the same way that the invention of semiconductors made today’s smartphones, computers and electronics possible, topoconductors and the new type of chip they enable offer a path to developing quantum systems that can scale to a million qubits and are capable of tackling the most complex industrial and societal problems,” Microsoft said of its new chip, Majorana 1.
Quantum hacking: the threat
Quantum technology enables computing to be carried out at speeds and complexities new to the world, opening a wealth of advancements and opportunities in areas like medicine.
However, quantum technology also opens a wealth of advancements in hacking.
Armed with quantum technology, hackers will be able to break many of the common encryption methods currently used to protect a wide range of everyday technologies and digital systems, such as mobile phone communications and online banking.
Within a few years from now, it’s possible a quantum computer could solve common encryption puzzles in days or even hours, rather than it taking billions of years; putting everything from state secrets to bank account information at risk.
Post-quantum cryptography: the solution
The UK’s National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) has recently urged that entities, especially in industries like energy and transport, begin introducing ‘post-quantum cryptography.’
This new type of encryption protects against both the cyber threats we experience today, and the quantum hacking capabilities of tomorrow.
This is important because quantum advancements will soon be able to defeat most encryption methods that for decades have proved strong enough to protect against cyber attacks. Many of the business that Daisy partners with have already begun offering quantum-safe solutions.
One of Daisy’s partners in cybersecurity, Bytes Software Solutions, spoke on the importance of acting now to secure sensitive business information against quantum threats:
“Post-quantum cryptography isn’t just a future consideration – it’s a present necessity. With the rise of ‘Harvest Now, Decrypt Later’ tactics, where encrypted data is stolen today in anticipation of future quantum decryption capabilities, organisations must act now to secure their most sensitive information. This is why we’re committed to helping businesses transition to quantum-safe encryption frameworks that protect against both current and emerging threats.”
How can you protect your business?
Daisy works closely with partners to offer tailored cybersecurity solutions for UK businesses, including future-proofed solutions to keep you protected against both current and quantum threats.
Speak with our expert, UK-based team today to find the future-proofed, quantum-safe cyber solutions that fit your business best.