What happens to IT security and encryption when AI and Quantum Computing comes together in the future? This question has always troubled me since reading Michio Kaku's book "Quantum Supremacy"

Hey Rich, hope you're keeping well. I'd say there are loads more people out there who are experts in each of these respective fields who would be better placed to answer this question. However, I can give you my opinion at least. I've not read that book. In fact I've not read any books on AI or quantum computing. I *think* I've read a book or two on selling and that's about it (I prefer fiction tbh). So I'm definitely not book-smart when it comes to this kind of stuff and having read Quantum Supremacy I'd wager you know more than me! But as I say I have my opinion. The world as we know it simply isn't built for AI and quantum computing. Organisations are being popped on a daily basis, and unless organisations are being specifically targeted, the most common attack vector is usually the path of least resistance. Most organisations are running at full pelt trying their best, but still getting compromised. And that's the state of play of things now, before AI and quantum computing is more commonplace. AI and quantum computing will make all current encryption redundant. The only way to defeat frontier attacks is with frontier defence. But we are simply not set up for that. And without action from our Government - but not just our Government, every Government, I do genuinely believe there is going to be a tech apocalypse moment. Now one thing is clear, most cyber crime is opportunistic using cheap tools, outsourcing initial access to 3rd parties etc. There's a whole criminal ecosystem where you can buy and sell your services. I'm not clued up enough on what that looks like I just know it exists. But yeah the ecosystem is sophisticated, lowering the bar of entry for script kiddies etc. So most cyber crime wouldn't use AI/quantum currently (other than for basic stuff like using AI to draft better quality phishing emails). However anything can be backwards engineered, so as soon as there is a technology that can be exploited, given enough time and money (and motive), it will be exploited. That's why the onus is on Governments to work together to tackle this before it becomes a bigger issue. Think of it like the nuclear arms race. Or Cold War nuclear escalations in the 80's. I think this could be a nuclear moment, albeit digital, for our generation. Big tech has a lot to answer for, at least Oppenheimer had ethics, I'm not sure we can say the same for tech bros. Whilst Oppenheimer believed the atomic bomb was a necessary evil to end World War II and save Allied lives, he spent the rest of his life advocating for nuclear arms control. This is what we need to see from our leaders when it comes to AI and quantum computing. Unfortunately most organisations who have developed this frontier technology are Silicon Valley based and have a fascist dictator as President. [further reflections 21/06] - I've been studying my bookshelf and the point I made about preferring fiction books actually isn't true, I've got more non-fiction than fiction. And zero sales bibles! Oliver Sacks is great, and I've really enjoyed Jon Ronsons books. I've just finished reading Recollections of Old Liverpool which was fascinating and I'd highly recommend it to anybody who is interested in the history of the City. Similarly, the Diary of Samuel Pepys held my attention. I got a signed Stewart Lee book (along with a recommendation for a Turkish rock artist). I've not actually read it though, sorry Stewart. To be fair I've got loads of books that I've wanted to read for ages that have just been sat gathering dust on my bookshelf. The Faithful Executioner, Alehouses and Good Fellowship in Early Modern England, A Brief History of Everyone Who Ever Lived, This is Going to Hurt to name but a few. I always made the excuse that life was too busy for me to read which is such a shame - I'm not really as well read as it seems.