What is Q-Day and how scared should we all be?

Quantum computing sounds like science fiction, but all of a sudden the biggest names in tech are treating it like the next industrial arms race. Google, Microsoft, IBM are all chasing breakthroughs that could transform everything from medicine to finance.

However! It does pose a serious security threat. Cybersecurity experts are warning those same machines could one day unravel the encryption protecting our bank accounts, private messages and government secrets. 

So, are we finally on the verge of the quantum future we've been promised, and are we actually ready for what comes next? 

GUESTS:

• Jacinta Bowler, ABC science reporter and host of the new ABC Science Friction series Dead or Alive.
• Justin Hendry, Editor at InnovationAus.com.

------------

This episode was produced on the lands of the Gadigal, Burramattagal, Darug, Gundungurra, and Wurundjeri peoples.

------------

Get in touch:

We'd love to hear from you! Email us at [email protected]

Find all the episodes of Download This Show on the ABC Listen App or wherever you get your podcasts.