Have you heard of quantum computing? If not, imagine a computer more powerful than any you’ve ever experienced. Now, imagine how much faster that computer could crack passwords, hack into networks, and generally steal data.
Fortunately, NordVPN, which ZDNET editors call the best VPN overall, understands this well so it’s released the first-ever app with post-quantum encryption support. The app is currently only available for Linux and the post-quantum feature will be added by simply updating the app. The upgraded protocol complies with the latest NIST standards for post-quantum encryption to protect Linux users against quantum decryption.
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Quantum computers use quantum mechanics to solve highly complex problems exponentially faster than traditional computers. It’s a rather challenging bit of technology to understand, but it uses a quantum bit (or qubit) as the basic unit of information. Qbits serve the same function as the bit in a traditional computer, the difference being that a qubit exists in a superposition of its two basis states (which means that it is in both states at the same time). That speed could be used by bad actors to do bad things quickly. In fact, it’s been speculated that cybercriminals are already storing large collections of encrypted data that they can eventually harness the power of quantum computing to decrypt.
In 2022, NASA stated that quantum computing was still in its infancy and claimed that it was too early to implement quantum computing into its missions. However, according to NordVPN CTO, Marijus Briedis, “cybercriminals may already be intensifying what is known as ‘harvest now, decrypt later’ attacks. Simply put, they are trying to accumulate huge quantities of encrypted data and decrypt them once quantum technology is developed.”
That’s the reality that comes along with quantum computing. But even with that dystopian possibility, quantum computers could possibly become the standard and should that happen, we’ll all need to ramp up our security, otherwise it will be an anything goes situation.
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Of NordVPN’s new addition, Briedis says, “With this launch, we start a major transition to new-generation encryption of all our applications, providing long-term security for our users.”
Although quantum computing won’t become the standard overnight, according to James McKenzie, writer for Physics World, it’s “anyone’s guess” as to when quantum computing will reach any sort of “plateau of productivity.” That being said, it’s always best to be prepared for such a game-changing technology before it arrives.
