Abstract Quantum computing has migrated from the desks of theoretical physicists to its operationalization by engineers and scientists. After briefly noting the limited quantum discussions in disciplinary journals specific to public policy, we review the nature of quantum mechanics for a social science audience. We separate the public policy challenges of quantum computers into two categories: its cybersecurity and national security concerns and its concerns for other sectors of public policy. This includes our identification of quantum computers as a wicked and largely unstructured policy problem. This leads to our focus on how the quantum era currently interacts with the agenda-setting and policy formulation steps of the policy cycle. The article concludes by noting potential theoretical implications along with four risks of the quantum computing era for policymakers.
Abstract Quantum computing has migrated from the desks of theoretical physicists to its operationalization by engineers and scientists. After briefly noting the limited quantum discussions in disciplinary journals specific to public policy, we review the nature of quantum mechanics for a social science audience. We separate the public policy challenges of quantum computers into two categories: its cybersecurity and national security concerns and its concerns for other sectors of public policy. This includes our identification of quantum computers as a wicked and largely unstructured policy problem. This leads to our focus on how the quantum era currently interacts with the agenda-setting and policy formulation steps of the policy cycle. The article concludes by noting potential theoretical implications along with four risks of the quantum computing era for policymakers.
Quantum computing is an emerging technology with potentially far-reaching implications for national prosperity and security. Understanding the timeframes over which economic benefits and national security risks may manifest themselves is vital for ensuring the prudent development of this technology. To inform security experts and policy decision makers on this matter, we review what is currently known on the potential uses and risks of quantum computers, leveraging current research literature. The maturity of currently-available quantum computers is not yet at a level such that they can be used in production for large-scale, industrially-relevant problems, and they are not believed to currently pose security risks. We identify 2 large-scale trends -- new approximate methods (variational algorithms, error mitigation, and circuit knitting) and the commercial exploration of business-relevant quantum applications -- which, together, may enable useful and practical quantum computing in the near future. Crucially, these methods do not appear likely to change the required resources for cryptanalysis on currently-used cryptosystems. From an analysis we perform of the current and known algorithms for cryptanalysis, we find they require circuits of a size exceeding those that can be run by current and near-future quantum computers (and which will require error correction), though we acknowledge improvements in quantum algorithms for these problems are taking place in the literature. In addition, the risk to cybersecurity can be well-managed by the migration to new, quantum-safe cryptographic protocols, which we survey and discuss. Given the above, we conclude there is a credible expectation that quantum computers will be capable of performing computations which are economically-impactful before they will be capable of performing ones which are cryptographically-relevant.
The advent of quantum computing presents unprecedented challenges to the existing cybersecurity framework, especially in the realm of cryptographic algorithms. Current encryption methods, such as RSA and ECC, which secure sensitive data, are vulnerable to quantum-based attacks due to the capabilities of quantum algorithms like Shor’s and Grover’s. This research paper explores the future of cybersecurity policy in the post-quantum era, analyzing the gaps in current policies and the need for quantum-resistant solutions. By examining emerging cryptographic algorithms, including lattice-based and hash-based cryptography, this study underscores the necessity for governments and industries to collaborate in developing post-quantum cryptographic standards. Furthermore, the paper addresses the economic and ethical considerations of transitioning to quantum-safe systems and provides case studies to illustrate the real-world implications of quantum threats on critical sectors such as finance, national security, and cloud computing. Ultimately, the study advocates for an adaptable, globally coordinated policy framework to ensure resilient cybersecurity in the quantum age.
The anticipated development of cryptographically relevant quantum computing presents a strategic challenge to governments because contemporary public-sector information systems depend extensively on cryptographic mechanisms for confidentiality, authentication, integrity, and secure communication. The principal difficulty is not limited to replacing existing cryptographic algorithms; rather, it concerns the coordinated transformation of national information infrastructures, institutional policies, data-protection practices, procurement procedures, and long-term security architectures. This research and review article develops a policy-oriented framework for quantum-safe cybersecurity in government environments. The study adopts a conceptual methodology that synthesizes the supplied literature on predictive modeling, statistical decision-making, machine learning, and quantum-resistant national-security policy. Although several supplied studies originate in pharmaceutical stability prediction rather than cybersecurity, their methodological emphasis on prediction, modeling, optimization, and risk-oriented decision processes provides transferable analytical foundations for constructing migration and prioritization mechanisms. The proposed framework integrates cryptographic inventory, risk classification, data sensitivity assessment, migration prioritization, algorithm-agility requirements, governance controls, validation mechanisms, and continuous monitoring. The analysis indicates that quantum-safe transformation should be treated as a national digital-resilience program rather than as an isolated cryptographic upgrade. The paper further identifies implementation challenges involving legacy systems, interoperability, institutional coordination, resource allocation, and uncertainty concerning future quantum capabilities. The resulting framework provides a structured basis for government agencies to prioritize critical assets, reduce exposure to future cryptographic compromise, and establish adaptive cybersecurity governance.
Abstract The rapid evolution of quantum computing introduces significant challenges for information security, particularly in governance, risk management, and the resilience of existing cryptographic mechanisms. This research reports the results of a systematic literature review (SLR) conducted following PRISMA guidelines, based on 56 peer-reviewed journal articles published between 2015 and 2025. The results show that only 16.1% of the selected papers explicitly address governance and security policies, confirming the comparatively limited attention paid to these topics despite recent advances in governance research and the predominance of technical approaches. Based on this synthesis, the research identifies stages of maturity in the evolution of quantum security and proposes a conceptual framework for interpreting governance from a socio-technical perspective. The findings indicate that advances in quantum security are not matched by equivalent progress in governance and policy design.
Quantum computing is set to revolutionize various aspects of society, with its ability to process information exponentially faster than traditional computers. This article explores the transformative potential of quantum computing on societal structures, focusing primarily on its impacts on data security, privacy, and economic frameworks. It delves into the challenges and opportunities quantum computing presents, particularly in breaking conventional encryption methods and fostering the development of quantum-resistant cryptographic systems. The review also examines the broader societal implications, including privacy concerns raised by enhanced data mining capabilities and surveillance, as well as the economic transformations anticipated as industries and job markets adapt to quantum innovations. Additionally, the paper discusses the ethical dilemmas and governance issues that arise, emphasizing the need for global cooperation in policy-making to manage the deployment of quantum computing technologies responsibly. The ultimate goal is to provide a comprehensive overview of the impending quantum era, suggesting pathways for integrating quantum computing into society while addressing the potential disparities it could exacerbate.
The 21st century is confronting profound transformations driven by emerging technologies, notably quantum computing, which promises opportunities and risks. As industries and governments invest heavily in quantum capabilities, the looming threat of quantum computers compromising current encryption schemes has prompted the exploration of postquantum systems. This research surveys quantum technologies and reviews existing and proposed quantum policies, particularly cybersecurity, to address critical policy challenges encompassing full-spectrum quantum computing development. Our retrospective literature review and prospective analysis reveal that the research and innovation trajectory involving quantum computing technologies will mature within the next decade. With geopolitical actors gaining access to cloud-based quantum computers, more stakeholders will engage with these nascent technologies, presenting new opportunities and risks. We argue that misaligned proposals, not sufficiently aligned with strategic policy, could hinder the adoption of emerging technologies and undermine national security. This thesis analyzes and addresses these issues and provides recommendations to enhance quantum computing security analysis and reshape geopolitical policies to effectively counter the imminent threats to national security.