THE QUANTUM THREAT: PREPARING FOR THE IMPENDING IMPACT ON CYBER SECURITY

Modern cybersecurity systems experience both exponential security achievements and major threats because of
the fast development of quantum computing technology. The widespread encryption methods RSA and elliptic
curve cryptography (ECC) have protected sensitive information for a long time but they become vulnerable against
Shor's algorithm which represents a crucial threat to these cryptographic approaches. The analysis discusses how
quantum computing will alter cybersecurity through investigative evaluation of present cryptographic weakness
and essential requirement of quantum-secure encryption systems. The research analyzes new developments along
with existing literature to document key quantum computing threats which target extensive data theft and damage
digital systems. The study evaluates organizational preparedness together with government readiness to use postquantum cryptography and detects emerging security capabilities within lattice-based cryptography plus quantum
key distribution (QKD).
The research demonstrates multiple entities work toward quantum-resistant protocols but various domains have
not yet learned to face opposing quantum computing capabilities. The authors suggest taking three essential steps
including combining encryption methods and funding quantum-resistant research along with public-private
partnership development. Organizations need to make quantum readiness their main focus because quantum
computing development will intensify future cyber threats and endanger digital system security. The study adds
valuable knowledge about quantum cybersecurity trends by detailed evaluation of threats and operational
safeguards for future quantum computing security.