Introduction In today’s technological landscape, quantum computing represents a revolutionary promise, but also a territory that is still very uncertain and full of contradictions. For visionary brands, especially high-end ones, this technology is seen as a potential competitive lever, capable of transforming processes, analysis and creativity. However, we cannot ignore another side of the coin: the growing power of quantum computers could represent a systemic risk, especially for digital infrastructures such as cryptography and blockchain. Giants like Google, IBM, Microsoft and Alibaba are investing heavily in developing quantum processors capable of exceeding the limits of classical computing, opening the door to a new era, but also to concrete vulnerabilities for data security. In this context, it is essential to ask: is quantum computing really a concrete resource or does it remain (also) a futuristic threat? The promise (and threat) of quantum computing Quantum computing exploits the principles of quantum mechanics – particularly superposition and entanglement – to perform calculations in parallel with speed and complexity unimaginable for classical computers. It can potentially: Solve optimization problems in drastically reduced time. Handle complex simulations and modeling (e.g. chemistry, physics, artificial intelligence). Radically transform cryptography: for the better (with new post-quantum protocols), but also for the worse (breaking current ones). The alarm arises from concrete projects like that of Google AI Quantum, which has already shown a prototype capable of achieving so-called quantum supremacy, performing in 200 seconds a calculation that would have required 10,000 years for a classical supercomputer. Real case: Volkswagen, IBM and molecular simulation A concrete example is the partnership between Volkswagen and IBM, which used quantum computing to simulate complex chemical reactions, searching for more performant batteries. Even if...
