State governments need to begin preparing now for the cybersecurity risks posed by eventual breakthroughs in quantum computing, according to a new report from the National Association of State Chief Information Officers.
Quantum computing introduces a number of serious cybersecurity challenges for states, threatening the security of sensitive information, digital identities, government transactions and critical infrastructure, the report says.
Of the responding state chief information officers, 10% identified quantum computing as one of the most impactful emerging technologies over the next two to three years.
Despite this acknowledgement, 73% of state CIOs said in the survey that their states were monitoring quantum computing developments, but had taken no formal action.
“Quantum computing presents both opportunities and risks for state government.