About this Report
The quest for a quantum computer has often been described as a ‘quantum race’, with competition at the level of nations as well as private companies. This race has heated up in recent years, with the entry of new major private players, large grants from governments, and the birth and growth of many start-ups fuelled by venture capital. It has been further described as a marathon, rather than a sprint, because of the relatively long-term nature of the research and investments needed to support it.
Additionally, as scientists and engineers race to harness the calculating power of quantum computers, cryptographers are racing to develop new encryption standards that can eventually hold up against quantum computers in the hands of “bad actors”.
This primer offers an overview of the risks associated with quantum computing, and provides context for GRI’s annual “Quantum Threat Timeline Report”, which provides up-to-date industry perspectives regarding the urgency of these risks.
- Read the 2023 Quantum Threat Timeline Report
- Read the 2022 Quantum Threat Timeline Report