As terrifying as it might sound, experts believe the world will soon face a technological crisis that threatens to fundamentally overthrow digital secrecy.
Known as 'Q–Day', this is the moment when quantum computers will crack open all of Earth's digital encryption.
From then, any information not secured by 'post–quantum' protection will be laid bare – including financial transactions and military communications.
So, when will this world–shattering moment arrive?
The Daily Mail asked six experts on cybersecurity and quantum computing to give their predictions for when Q–Day might arrive.
At the earliest, one scientist suggests that Q–Day could be upon us within two years.
In contrast, others think it might take decades before quantum computing offers even the slightest threat to the world's digital security.
While scientists disagree over when Q–Day might arrive, they all agree on one thing – the world needs to start preparing now.
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