Down the rabbit hole: Will our secrets survive the quantum computing leap with Dr. Sarah McCarthy

2025-12-09

Download

Quantum computing may feel like a distant part of the future, but many experts believe its widespread adoption could arrive sooner than expected. And with it comes a profound challenge: today’s encryption, which protects global cybersecurity, banking, digital identity, and confidential communication, may no longer be secure.So what happens when quantum computers can break the cryptography that protects our most sensitive information?In this special Alice in Wonderland-themed episode of Tech Tomorrow, David Elliman speaks with Dr. Sarah McCarthy, Quantum Readiness P...

So what happens when quantum computers can break the cryptography that protects our most sensitive information?

In this special Alice in Wonderland-themed episode of Tech Tomorrow, David Elliman speaks with Dr. Sarah McCarthy, Quantum Readiness Programme Lead at Citi, to explore the looming post-quantum era. Together, they discuss what executives, security leaders, and organisations need to understand about quantum risk, how to prepare now, and why waiting may already be too late.

Through playful Wonderland metaphors inspired by Lewis Carroll, including the Red Queen’s race and the Garden of Talking Flowers, David and Sarah explain complex security concepts with clarity and imagination. They outline what quantum computing really is, how modern cryptography works, why cryptographic agility matters, and what could happen if organisations fail to adapt in time.

The conversation emphasises that leaders must first understand their organisation’s current cryptographic estate, then develop a strategy that allows their systems to adapt and evolve, and finally begin taking practical steps today to ensure readiness well before ‘Q-Day’ arrives.

Episode Highlights

00:34 – Introducing the Wonderland theme and framing the topic.

02:13 – What is quantum cryptography, and why does it matter?

03:5 – How modern cryptography protects everyday digital life.

06:16 – David Through the Looking Glass: Understanding the Red Queen’s Race.

07:23 – Why security strategies must evolve continuously.

09:24 – Cryptographic agility and how leaders can practice it.

11:22 – The urgency behind quantum readiness.

15:49 – David Through the Looking Glass: The Garden of Talking Flowers and digital estate management.

16:32 – Practical, actionable steps executives can take today.

19:59 – What is Q-Day, and when might it arrive?

22:30 – David Through the Looking Glass: The White Rabbit of quantum security.

23:03 – Which companies are making progress in quantum-safe security?

24:38 – Can our secrets survive the quantum leap?

About Zühlke:

Zühlke is a global transformation partner, with engineering and innovation at its core. We help clients envision and build their businesses for the future – running smarter today while adapting for tomorrow’s markets, customers, and communities.

Our multidisciplinary teams specialise in technology strategy and business innovation, digital solutions and applications, and device and systems engineering. We thrive in complex, regulated sectors such as healthcare and finance, connecting strategy, implementation, and operations to help clients build more effective and resilient businesses.

Links: