Quantum Computing Threatens Cyber Defences Globally

Organisations are lagging as technology giants push the boundaries of quantum computing, exposing cyber risks that demand urgent attention.

ISACA, the global professional association for cybersecurity credentials, has found only 4% of organisations have developed strategies to address quantum computing’s impact, despite major hardware advancements from Microsoft, Google and AWS.

European IT leaders voice concerns over cybersecurity threats linked to quantum computing, according to ISACA’s latest research.

The report arrives at a time when Microsoft has launched its Majorana 1 chip, Google has introduced its "state of the art" Willow chip and AWS has unveiled its Ocelot chip.

These breakthroughs, emerging in late 2024 and early 2025, indicate that quantum computing could reach everyday business operations sooner than many organisations expect.

ISACA’s findings reveal that 67% of European IT professionals fear quantum computing will increase or shift cyber risks over the next decade.

Microsoft's Majorana 1 chip is intended to make quantum computers more viable, while Google's Willow chip and AWS’s Ocelot chip represent major leaps forward in quantum processing.

These rapid developments create clear opportunities for innovation, but cyber risks loom large.

Chris Dimitriadis, Chief Global Strategy Officer at ISACA, explains: "Given recent quantum advancements and breakthroughs, we can expect quantum computing to be present in our day-to-day platforms and processes within the next few years.

"Whilst this will present great opportunities for innovation in several industries, significant cybersecurity risks emerge both in terms of quantum in a silo as well as through the rise of quantum AI."

Chris stresses that quantum technology threatens existing internet security: "Cryptography is present in all businesses, industries and sectors, and quantum computing has the potential to break the cryptographic protocols that we use, rendering simple services useless.

"At the same time, quantum will substantially transform AI by boosting its capabilities, together with the risks associated with it."

As hardware progresses, so do the threats.

ISACA’s data shows that 67% of IT professionals worry about quantum computing breaking current encryption methods before post-quantum cryptography standards are widely implemented.

Organisations unprepared for quantum computing cyber risks

Despite the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) developing post-quantum cryptography standards for over a decade, understanding remains low among IT professionals.

Only 5% report strong knowledge of these standards, exposing a major risk gap.

The same lack of readiness appears in wider business strategies.

ISACA’s research reveals that 52% of organisations have not integrated quantum computing into any formal strategies or roadmaps, nor do they plan to. Meanwhile, 40% of cyber and IT professionals say their organisations have not considered post-quantum cryptography solutions.

Quantum literacy is alarmingly low. Just 2% of respondents strongly agree they understand quantum computing capabilities.

Without adequate understanding of quantum technology, organisations remain vulnerable to emerging cyber risks.

Moreover, most cyber and IT professionals underestimate the pace of change.

Only 35% believe quantum computing will become mainstream within years, despite hardware leaps by Microsoft, Google and AWS suggesting a faster timeline.

These gaps between recognised cyber risks and actual preparation pose serious threats.

Though 56% of respondents see business opportunities in quantum computing, and 44% expect it to enable major innovations, few organisations have developed robust quantum strategies.

Quantum workforce development lags behind technology

The UK Government has committed more than £60m (US$80.4m) to quantum skills programmes running until 2034, recognising the pressing need for expertise.

However, ISACA warns that organisations must match this effort internally to address cyber risks from quantum technology.

ISACA’s findings suggest workforce development and strategic planning need urgent improvement. Without investment in training and preparedness, businesses could face cyber threats capable of undermining entire digital infrastructures.

"As a society that relies so heavily on digital systems, it's imperative that we take this seriously," says Chris.

"Organisations must make sure that they are already planning about how their operations might look in a post-quantum world, while they keep developing a holistically trained workforce on AI. They simply cannot afford to defer this critical preparation, risking the stability of the global economy itself.

"We need to build a holistically trained workforce on Quantum (and continue doing this for AI) and then create a plan for transition to the post-quantum era, enabling the safe adoption of these emerging technologies, so we can enjoy the benefits of innovation in a safe manner."

Quantum computing’s evolution is no longer theoretical.

It is happening now and cyber risks are growing alongside it.

To protect their operations and take advantage of future technology, organisations must urgently address quantum readiness across strategy, cyber defences and workforce capabilities.

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