Google’s ‘Quantum Supremacy’: Celebration Bells or Funeral Dirge?

Imagine living in a world where no codes, no passwords are protected. The resultant picture of this fancy would be utter chaos: digital privacy would cease to exist, nuclear codes would be broken and even something as strongly encrypted as blockchain would fall apart.

You would say: Why imagine such a scenario which is almost impossible to happen? The reason is that the ‘impossible’ in this case has been compromised with Google’s accidental announcement (which was archived before it was taken down) that its AI quantum research group has achieved ‘quantum supremacy’. Now, what does that mean?

A Common Man’s Guide to ‘Quantum Supremacy’

It seems that the capacity of our everyday computers, or more precisely classical computers, is very limited in the sense that it cannot solve ‘big’ problems within a reasonable time period.

It is true in principle that any existing computer can solve anything which can be computed on the condition that it is given an infinite stretch to finish the task. This is why ‘supremacy’, instead of carrying the implication of solving problems better, just solves them quicker than the computer on your study-table.

It is considered that a minimum of 49 qubits is required to achieve quantum supremacy. Now, qubits are very different from the bits in a classical computer. Bits can represent one of the either: ‘1’ or ‘0’ and the classical computer can interpret and perform operations on one bit a time. However, qubits can represent a combination of these two digits and therefore the quantum computer can be in many states at one point in time. This is made possible due to quantum effect whence otherwise defined properties like direction, particle position and momentum remain undefined.

As a consequence, quantum computers have the ability to use quantum operators with all the possible combinations present in the qubit state. This implies that such a computer would be able to read and change both ‘1’ and ‘0’ at the same time.

Therefore, we know that it is the capacity of quantum computers to process information quickly and act on it simultaneously which enables them to perform those complex operations which a classical computer cannot within practical limits of time.

Google’s Cue

It seems that Google was already much ahead in regards to its development of quantum computing even before the accidental announcement was made. Only last year, Google had introduced a 73 qubit computer. This made it win the race against IBM which fell shortly behind the line with a 53 qubit computer.

After the leaked information regarding Google’s quantum supremacy, it was speculated that this would render every code ‘crackable’.

Is the Future Quantum-Unsafe?

This is where the main concern about quantum computers comes in. If such a technology is born, our present security and encryption system would break down and would be vulnerable to attacks from quantum computers.

While the day is still far when quantum computers can hack most high-end encryption systems and pose a serious threat to cybersecurity, however, there is no denying that Google’s announcement is a sample of the advancement of quantum technology. It has shown us yet again that the quantum threat is much nearer than we had expected it to be. The most important point of the matter is that Google’s superconducting processor can be programmed which again means that it can fend to instructions for different tasks and hence perform operations that lie beyond the capacity of classical computers today.

The “Quantum Shadow” Over the Blockchain

According to a Deloitte survey, 84% of respondents were confident that blockchain systems were capable of providing more security than conventional IT systems. The unique features of blockchain — distributed yet synchronized across networks — makes it almost perfect (and safe) for supply chains and financial networks. Blockchain systems, in short, provide a secure, fast and transparent way to transact.

Quantum computing, or rather the threat if a quantum hack, has always been known to be the Achilles’ Heel of blockchain technology. Standard cryptographic functions secure a blockchain. They are thought to be relatively safe, as breaking these cryptographic security measures would require a tremendous amount of computing power, which is difficult, if not impossible, for traditional computers.

But, breaking into standard cryptographic security measures would be like snatching candy away from a child for quantum computers; such is its computing power and speed. A quantum computer poses two serious threats to the blockchain technology as it stands today: 51% attack and encryption algorithm attack both of which can hugely compromise the technology. A quantum hack can literally overwhelm the blockchain network and can take control of it, leaving it quite vulnerable to any kind of mischief. Wallets can be hacked, cryptocurrencies can be stolen, exchanges could go bust; anything can go wrong, depending upon the whims and fancies of the hacker.

The blockchain technology is now in its growth phase, gradually starting to transform almost all industries. We are still trying to leverage its potential to disrupt the status quo and make solutions to real world problems. Therefore, the imminent danger to it posed by quantum computers cannot be overlooked.

To be able to resist this kind of attack, we need to look at solutions that protect the blockchain ecosystem with quantum cryptography. And this is the vision of QUUBE.

QUUBE — Securing the Blockchain from Quantum Threats

QUUBE has created a quantum computer resistant ecosystem with its focus on the security token market, high speed and a hugely protected crypto trading space and communication pathways.

The core idea of QUUBE is to counter the threat posed by quantum technology by creating a blockchain which is based on quantum technology. Since it is impossible for a classical computer to break into the traditional blockchain, it would be impossible for a quantum computer, with all its might to break into a quantum-based blockchain.

QUUBE also protects the blockchain from encryption algorithm attack because of the high encryption stability a quantum-based blockchain would hold. Moreover, QUUBE has worked out on software which would be able to keep a record of trading logs and balances for cryptocurrency exchanges and crypto wallets operating on the blockchain technology.

Parting Words

QUUBE has been true to its goal since 2018 when it first launched the testing version of quantum attack resistant blockchain and is all prepared to combat the nearing threats of quantum computers to the blockchain technology. QUUBE’s foresight will not only protect the world from quantum attacks by combating ‘fire with fire’ but will also delineate the best way in which the potential of quantum technology can be put to use.