Source URL: https://tech.slashdot.org/story/25/01/10/0023257/nvidia-ceo-quantum-computers-wont-be-very-useful-for-another-20-years?utm_source=rss1.0mainlinkanon&utm_medium=feed
Source: Slashdot
Title: Nvidia CEO: Quantum Computers Won’t Be Very Useful for Another 20 Years
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Summary: Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang predicts that quantum computers will not become practically useful for approximately 20 years, causing a notable drop in stock values in the quantum computing sector. Experts express concerns regarding quantum computers’ future implications for cybersecurity, particularly as they could eventually undermine traditional cryptographic defenses.
Detailed Description: The discussion surrounding the practicality and timeline of quantum computing is gaining attention, particularly given its intersection with cybersecurity. Below are the major points of relevance:
– **Timeline for Practical Usefulness**:
– Jensen Huang estimates that quantum computers may not be useful for another 15 to 30 years, with 20 years being a widely accepted projection.
– This forecast has psychological effects on market perceptions and investments in quantum technologies.
– **Market Reaction**:
– Following Huang’s statements, stocks in the quantum computing sector dropped by over 40%, resulting in a loss exceeding $8 billion in market value.
– **Current Challenges in Quantum Computing**:
– Error rates in quantum computers significantly limit their effectiveness. Qubits, the fundamental units of information in quantum systems, currently produce a lot of errors, rendering the technology not yet viable for practical applications.
– Firms such as Nord Quantique are focusing on quantum error correction, which is vital for making quantum machines reliable.
– **Future Security Implications**:
– Chris Erven of Kets Quantum warns that quantum computers will eventually pose a significant cybersecurity threat by potentially breaking conventional cryptographic systems.
– The urgency for cybersecurity professionals arises from countries like China, which are heavily investing in quantum computing research to potentially gain an advantage in creating machines that can break existing defenses.
– **Investment Insights**:
– Experts in the financial domain, like Ivana Delevska, support Huang’s timeline by reflecting on precedents in tech development, such as Nvidia’s transitions over similar time frames.
Overall, security and compliance professionals should closely monitor developments in quantum computing, as advancements could significantly impact encryption methods and the overall cybersecurity landscape in the future. The timeline estimated by experts indicates a critical window for organizations to strategize for future threats posed by quantum technologies.