Page 36 - BANKING FINANCE NOVEMBER 2023
P. 36

ARTICLE

         they're super good at breaking encryption methods that  Banks and financial institutions looking to dive into the
         have kept our financial data safe for years. This means  quantum revolution can follow a simple action plan to ensure
         there's a real threat of "steal now, decrypt later" attacks  they're quantum-ready. First, they should establish research
         lurking in the shadows. "Steal now, decrypt later" (SNDL) is  partnerships with quantum experts and academic institutions
         a term used to describe a potential cybersecurity threat  to gain insights tailored to their needs. Next, building
         wherein attackers collect encrypted data today, knowing  dedicated quantum computing teams with quantum
         that they may not have the technology to decrypt it  scientists, software experts, and data specialists is crucial
         immediately. However, they anticipate that, as quantum  for success. Considering investments or joint ventures with
         computing matures, they will gain the capability to unlock  quantum pioneers not only supports technology
         and exploit this stolen data in the future.          development but also provides early access to quantum
                                                              tools. Strengthening cybersecurity measures, particularly
         This scenario raises significant concerns for cybersecurity  through the adoption of quantum-resistant encryption
         because it implies that sensitive information collected today,  methods, is essential in safeguarding sensitive data from
         thinking it is secure, may become vulnerable in the future  potential quantum threats.
         when quantum computers capable of breaking current
         encryption standards become available. Therefore,    Finally, investing in up-skilling the existing workforce by
         organizations and institutions are encouraged to prepare for  offering quantum computing courses and certifications will
         this potential future threat by adopting quantum-resistant  be the secret weapon in this quantum era. Quantum
         encryption methods and continuously monitoring       computing is not science fiction; it's a tangible reality
         developments in quantum computing and cryptography to  reshaping the financial landscape. Embracing this revolution
         protect their data. Cryptographically Relevant Quantum  is not only prudent but also incredibly exciting. Financial
         Computers (CRQC) might sound like a villain from a sci-fi  institutions that embark on the quantum journey now are
         movie, but they're a real threat to financial services. Hackers  positioning themselves for a thrilling adventure into the
         are already plotting to nab encrypted data, waiting for the  quantum era. So why wait? The quantum future is
         day when quantum computers can crack it open like a  beckoning, and it's time to answer that call. Quantum
         treasure chest. That's why banks and financial institutions  computing is here to stay, and the financial world will never
         need to level up their game and switch to quantum-resistant  be the same again.
         encryption methods pronto.
                                                              Conclusion
         Time to Get Quantum-Ready
                                                              In conclusion, the financial world is standing on the precipice
         Quantum computing might sound like something out of a  of a quantum revolution that promises to change the game
         sci-fi flick, but it's not just a pipe dream. Leading tech giants  entirely. In this brave new world, financial institutions have
         like IBM, Microsoft, and Google are in on the action, actively  a lot to gain. They can trade at warp speed, precisely price
         developing quantum computers. Google's Sycamore      complex financial instruments, optimize portfolios with ease,
         quantum processor, which currently holds 70 qubits, can do  and crack complex problems effortlessly. It's like going from
         tasks in minutes that would make traditional         solving a Rubik's Cube blindfolded to having a GPS for your
         supercomputers break a sweat for millennia.          investments - a real game-changer.


         Quantum computing is still in its early stages. Financial  Quantum computing isn't just science fiction; it's here, and
         institutions are just dipping their toes into the quantum  it's cooler than an ice cream cone on a scorching summer
         waters, getting access to the hardware, and cooking up  day. Leading tech giants are already in the game, with
         quantum algorithms. So, who's going to benefit from this  quantum processors that outperform traditional
         quantum revolution? Everyone, that's who! From sellers and  supercomputers by leaps and bounds. Everyone stands to
         buyers to matchmakers and rule-setters, there's something  benefit from this quantum revolution, from sellers to buyers,
         in it for everyone. Capital markets, valuation, portfolio  matchmakers to rule-setters. Capital markets, valuation,
         optimization, combinatorial optimization, and even   portfolio optimization, and cryptography are all lined up for
         cryptography are all queuing up for their share of quantum  their share of the quantum goodness. The future is quantum,
         goodness.                                            and it's looking brighter than ever! T


            BANKING FINANCE |                                                           NOVEMBER | 2023 | 33
   31   32   33   34   35   36   37   38   39   40   41