The future of quantum computing: Opportunities, challenges and risks | DXC Technology Insights

Growth Drivers | Updated on May 2, 2025

Preparing for a quantum future

 

Quantum computing is getting closer to real-world use. And when it arrives, it’s expected to push the boundaries of what’s possible in a variety of fields and industries.  

This includes tackling problems that are far beyond the reach of what classical computers can achieve due to complexity or time constraints. Drug discovery, weather forecasting, fault detection, financial modeling and deep scientific research are just some of the areas that can benefit from quantum’s unprecedented speed and computation power. 

And as some early adopters begin to experiment with quantum algorithms—testing theories, building prototypes and making discoveries—every organization that starts planning now will be better positioned to reap the benefits as the technology matures, and gain an early-mover competitive advantage.

Unlike traditional computing, quantum computers can process multiple streams of information simultaneously and at higher speeds than classical computers. This greatly expands the possible range of complex calculations and simulations. 

Opportunities, risks and the road ahead

 

While it’s clear that we’re on the cusp of seeing quantum computers solve meaningful problems, it's important to acknowledge their dual nature as both an extraordinary opportunity and a significant risk.

Over time, quantum systems hold the promise of revolutionizing the way we live and work, offering unprecedented computing power and new possibilities. In the near term, however, they pose a significant threat to our current encryption methods, making these systems vulnerable to attack.  

This could threaten financial systems, vital infrastructure and the privacy and security of just about everything we do online.

New cryptography standards released by the National Institute of Standards and Technology could go a long way in ensuring widespread compatibility and security in the face of potential quantum computing threats. And organizations are encouraged to begin transitioning to these new standards.

At the same time, the level of preparation that organizations do today is expected to be critical to limiting their exposure and vulnerability to emerging threats — making quantum risk planning a priority.


The same processing power that makes it possible for quantum systems to quickly decode or solve complicated problems can also be used to break encryption standards at alarming speeds and leave organizations vulnerable to data breaches and other cyber-attacks.

Getting ready for primetime

 

As the world gears up for quantum computing, it's critical that organizations start preparing for potential threats as part of their long-term risk planning, while at the same helping to minimize the technology’s potentially disruptive and costly impacts.

This includes assessing current encryption protocols across a company’s entire IT architecture (from hardware in the data center to mobile devices and APIs) and identifying and inventorying any critical systems, applications and information that may be vulnerable to quantum-enabled attacks, and then prioritizing remediation based on potential impact. 

This should also include encrypted data that has been harvested in the past so that it’s protected against any retrospective attacks.

The Mosca score, which suggests a pathway to protecting data and keeping it quantum-safe, provides a cost estimate for the required work. By understanding this timeline, businesses can budget accordingly and prioritize remediation efforts. 


Given the cyber threat that quantum poses to financial organizations, they've begun to transition to cryptographic algorithms with higher levels of security strength. And because of the sensitivity of the data they hold, public sector organizations are particularly vulnerable to attacks, which could impact national security. Doing nothing is not an option.

Having an expert by your side

 

Achieving and maintaining quantum resilience is an ongoing process that requires continuous innovation, adaptation, training and collaborating with a team of experts who can provide the right technology, insights and guidance.

To that end, DXC is building a quantum practice within its consulting organization to help clients stay informed about quantum computing advancements, uncover assets that are at risk, and fortify their defenses against emerging threats using quantum-resistant cybersecurity. These solutions, when paired with AI, can be used to analyze massive datasets to predict threats with even greater accuracy.

DXC experts will also be helping organizations use the power of quantum to solve some of the world's biggest problems and make breakthroughs in critical areas—from cancer research to global agriculture and beyond. 

Ecosystem partnerships are another critical lever for success. DXC is partnering with third parties and academia, including specialized quantum compute universities, to bring expertise together from different disciplines and stay ahead of the curve.

 

The big picture

The potential applications of quantum computing are vast and far-reaching. As progress accelerates, industries everywhere are exploring ways in which quantum computers can tackle challenges beyond the capabilities of today’s advanced classical computers.

But as we peer into the future, it has become clear that the same things that make this technology powerful also make current cryptographic defenses vulnerable. 

This is where a quantum-ready strategy comes in. And DXC’s team of consulting, technology and engineering experts are helping clients stay ahead of quantum threats and prepare for a post-quantum future.

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