Quantum Computing: A New Era of Disruption in Technology and Cybersecurity

Traditional computers use bits — values of 0 or 1 — as the basic unit of information. Quantum computers use qubits, which can be both 0 and 1 at the same time due to a property called superposition.

Qubits can also be entangled, meaning changes to one instantly affect the other — even across distances. When combined, these principles allow quantum computers to process vast amounts of data in parallel, solving problems that would take classical computers years or centuries to complete.

What Is Quantum Computing, and How Is It Different?

Why It Matters?

Quantum computing has the potential to revolutionize:

• Logistics & Optimization – Complex supply chains, delivery routes, or manufacturing schedules

• Finance – Risk modeling, fraud detection, and investment portfolio optimization

• Healthcare & Chemistry – Simulating molecules for drug discovery or material science

• AI & Machine Learning – Accelerating training of deep learning models

But perhaps the most immediate concern is in the field of cybersecurity.

The Quantum Threat to Encryption

Today’s internet and enterprise security relies on encryption algorithms such as RSA, ECC, and Diffie-Hellman — all of which are based on mathematical problems that are hard for classical computers to solve.

However, quantum computers could break these algorithms in the future using something called Shor’s algorithm.

If (or when) quantum computers reach sufficient scale, many of today’s secure systems — including digital banking, VPNs, e-commerce, and government communications — would become vulnerable to decryption.

How Can Organizations Prepare?

While large-scale quantum computers are not yet mainstream, the steps to prepare are already becoming clear:

1. Understand Your Cryptography

   • Map out where encryption is used in your systems (VPNs, TLS, email, digital signatures, etc.)

2. Follow PQC (Post-Quantum Cryptography) Standards

   • The U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is finalizing new quantum-safe encryption methods — watch for updates.

3. Design for Crypto-Agility

   • Ensure your IT systems can switch cryptographic algorithms without major rework.

4. Integrate Quantum Risk into IT Governance

   • Treat quantum disruption as part of your broader risk landscape — especially in long-term data protection and regulatory compliance.

For Thai organizations especially those in finance, telecom, healthcare, or government the conversation about quantum risk is no longer theoretical.

While large-scale quantum computers may still be years away, regulations and international standards are evolving now. Thailand’s IT leaders, policymakers, and technology professionals will increasingly need to understand how post-quantum security will shape compliance, risk, and digital transformation strategies.

Quantum computing is still in its early stages — but the impact could be transformational. The organizations that start learning and preparing early will be better positioned to adapt, protect, and innovate in this coming wave of disruption.

This is not about panic — it’s about proactive awareness.