Quantum computers will be able to breach classical computing security due to the fact that “most of the security we have on the internet is based on public key cryptography, of which RSA is an example”. To break an RSA key using classical computing could take millions of years, according to Knight. But with a quantum computer running at the same clock speed, the task would be performed in polynomial rather than exponential time, meaning that the key could be broken in minutes. The uncomfortable outcome is, “if we had a quantum computer it could undermine the security of the internet”.
— Sir Peter Knight
Quantum Encryption enables virtually uncrackable security, with perfect verification of both the secrecy and integrity of data – Any surveillance and the Observer Effect causes immediate interference.
This technology isn't immune to disruption however, communications may still be jammed. But as the capability to create QE devices transitions from state actors to corporates and the home enthusiast, I wonder how The Powers That Be will adapt.
The intelligence community has gotten somewhat complacent in their masterful use of SIGINT. If that overwhelming informational superiority disappears, the balance of power between state and non-state actors may shift massively.
Furthermore, the combination of blockchain derivatives with QE and emerging techniques such as homomorphic encryption can enable an ability to share (meta)data until one decides not to share it – The ultimate Digital Rights Management. The data itself can literally disappear once someone rescinds access rights.
Since nanosats can now be launched for as little as $40k, I wonder if a group such as Wikileaks, EFF, or similar may be tempted to sponsor a free QE node (or an array of them) for the community, gratis, independent of any state oversight...