This is called “noise” by quantum scientists, and every quantum computer operating today, regardless of how powerful it is, generates a lot of it. And yet, that is the kind of data that quantum computers normally send back in response to queries. That student probably wouldn’t earn a very good grade. Imagine a student being given a lengthy exam in school, completing it in just a few seconds, and then turning it in with all of the correct answers buried within pages of incorrect responses. The biggest one is that while they are able to quickly solve most problems, they also return a lot of wrong answers along with the proper solutions. However, beneath the surface, quantum computers still face a lot of obstacles. All of that points to a bright future for quantum computers, which only started generating attention and interest around 2016 with their non-traditional computing methods-apparently breaking the laws of physics-to solve complex problems.

NIST and private companies are currently scrambling to create new cybersecurity protections that can withstand a quantum assault. Meanwhile, the federal government is planning for a post-quantum future where powerful quantum machines shred today’s encryption protections.

Simply looking at the timeline, quantum computing has come a long way in a very short period of time, having achieved quantum supremacy by demonstrating the ability to solve complex problems faster than a traditional computer back in 2019. It’s no secret that quantum computers are advancing in both power and efficiency every day, and may eventually become a strategic asset that could even give governments advantages over one another.

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