How Quantum Computing Will Change Online Security — And What You Must Do to Prepare

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  By Gujju Ticks

  23 August, 2025

Introduction

In the last ten years, India has moved quickly into the digital world. From UPI payments at tea stalls to Aadhaar-linked services, almost everything we do today depends on online systems. With this growth, online security has become more important than ever.

But a new technology, called quantum computing, is about to change the rules of the game. While quantum computers can help in fields like medicine, finance, and artificial intelligence, they also pose a serious risk to cybersecurity.

If you are in India — whether you are an individual using Paytm or a business in Gujarat running online exports — understanding this shift is critical. This blog explains what quantum computing is, why it is a threat to current security systems, and what you must do today to prepare for the future.

What is Quantum Computing?

A normal computer, like your laptop or phone, works on bits — values of 0 or 1. Every task, whether sending an email or making a UPI transfer, is processed through millions of 0s and 1s.

Quantum computers are different. They use qubits. Thanks to the strange rules of quantum physics, qubits can be both 0 and 1 at the same time. This gives quantum computers superpower-level speed when solving complex problems.

For example:

• A modern supercomputer may take thousands of years to solve a tough mathematical problem.
• A quantum computer could solve the same problem in minutes or seconds.

This incredible power makes quantum computing a breakthrough. But when applied to cybersecurity, it also becomes a dangerous weapon.

Why is Quantum Computing a Threat to Online Security?

Most of today’s online security systems depend on encryption. Encryption is like a secret code that protects your data.

• Banking websites use RSA encryption.
• WhatsApp and Signal use end-to-end encryption.
• Online shopping sites use SSL certificates to keep your payments safe.

These systems are safe today because they rely on mathematical problems so difficult that even the fastest computers cannot solve them.

But with quantum computing, algorithms like Shor’s Algorithm can break RSA, ECC (Elliptic Curve Cryptography), and other popular encryptions easily.

What this means for you:

• Passwords and banking PINs could be cracked in seconds.
• Aadhaar and PAN-linked databases could be hacked.
• Digital wallets, UPI transactions, and credit card details could be exposed.
• Corporate data and government secrets could be stolen.

In short, quantum computing could make the entire internet’s current security system obsolete.

The Indian Scenario: Why This Affects Us More

India is one of the world’s largest digital economies. Consider these facts:

• In 2025, India processes over 12 billion UPI transactions per month.
• Gujarat alone has thousands of SMEs (small and medium enterprises) that use online exports, GST billing, and digital banking.
• The Indian government relies on Aadhaar, DigiLocker, and digital health IDs to serve crores of people.

All of this depends on strong cybersecurity. If hackers with access to quantum computers attack, India could face financial fraud, identity theft, and economic losses on a massive scale.

For example:

• A farmer in Gujarat receiving subsidies through Aadhaar-linked bank accounts could lose money.
• A startup in Bengaluru storing customer data on cloud servers could face data theft.
• Even ordinary users making Paytm or PhonePe payments could face UPI fraud.

This is why India must start preparing now.

How Soon Will This Happen?

You may think, “Quantum computers are still in labs. Why should I worry today?”

Here’s the truth:

• Tech giants like Google, IBM, and Microsoft have already created working quantum processors.
• In 2019, Google’s Sycamore processor showed quantum supremacy — solving a task that normal computers couldn’t.
• IBM is planning to build a 1,000+ qubit computer soon.
• The Indian government has launched a ₹8,000 crore National Mission on Quantum Technologies to prepare for this future.

Experts believe that within the next 5 to 10 years, quantum computers will be strong enough to break current encryption.

Hackers are also “harvesting now, decrypting later”. This means they are already stealing encrypted data today, planning to unlock it once quantum computers are ready.

The Solution: Post-Quantum Cryptography

The good news is that scientists are already developing Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC) — new encryption methods that even quantum computers cannot break easily.

• The NIST (National Institute of Standards and Technology, USA) has already shortlisted quantum-safe algorithms.
• Global companies are testing quantum-safe VPNs and messaging systems.
• India is also beginning research into quantum-resistant security.

But shifting the entire internet — from banking to government portals — to PQC will take time, money, and planning. That’s why preparation must start now.

What You Must Do to Prepare

You don’t need to be a tech expert to stay safe. Here are practical steps for individuals and businesses in India:

1. For Individuals

• Use strong and unique passwords with a password manager.
• Always enable two-factor authentication (2FA) for banking, email, and social media.
• Keep your phones, laptops, and apps updated with security patches.
• Avoid clicking on suspicious links in SMS, WhatsApp, or emails.

2. For Businesses (SMEs, Startups, Corporates)

• Discuss future-proofing with your IT teams or vendors.
• Upgrade to zero-trust security models where no device is trusted by default.
• Backup your data regularly and store copies securely.
• Start planning how your company will move to quantum-safe encryption.

3. For Government and Financial Institutions

• Update critical services like Aadhaar, UPI, GST systems with quantum-resistant encryption.
• Partner with universities and global experts to research PQC.
• Create awareness programs for citizens on digital security.

Real-Life Example: Why This Matters

Imagine a businessman in Surat who exports textiles online. Today, his payment systems are protected with normal encryption.

But in 2030, a hacker with a quantum computer could break into his transactions, change account numbers, and steal lakhs of rupees in minutes.

This is not science fiction. It’s a real possibility if India does not adopt quantum-safe security in time.

The Road Ahead

Quantum computing will not only change how we solve scientific problems, but also how we protect data.

For India, which aims to become a $1 trillion digital economy, the challenge is urgent. We cannot wait for the threat to arrive. Hackers are preparing now — so should we.

The steps are clear:

• Individuals must practice digital hygiene.
• Businesses must upgrade security policies.
• The government must push for quantum-safe adoption.

Conclusion

Quantum computing is like fire: it can cook food, but it can also burn a house. While it promises great benefits for healthcare, AI, and research, it also threatens to break online security as we know it.

For Indians, especially those in Gujarat and other business-driven states, the risk is real. Our heavy reliance on digital payments, Aadhaar, and online services makes us a prime target.

The best way forward is not to fear but to prepare. Learn about post-quantum cryptography, keep your devices safe, and demand quantum-secure solutions from banks and service providers.

The future of online security belongs to those who act today.