Quantum computing: discussing future technological threats
1
Think about these questions before reading. Share your ideas with a partner.
- Think about the most advanced piece of technology you use daily. What are some potential security risks associated with it that you might not have considered before?
- When you hear about a major technological breakthrough, like AI or quantum computing, is your first reaction excitement about the possibilities or concern about the potential dangers? Explain why.
- Beyond individual accounts being hacked, what are some of the biggest threats that a major leap in computing power could pose to society as a whole, for example, to banks, governments, or infrastructure?
2
Discussing Tech Risks
Listen to the dialogue. Notice how the vocabulary and grammar from the lesson are used.
3
Answer these questions in your own words. Support your answers with evidence from the article.
01According to the article, what does it mean for something to 'have far-reaching implications'?
Sample answerIt means that an event or change has very broad and extensive consequences that affect many different things, not just one specific area. It's like a ripple effect that spreads out widely.
02Why is speculative language particularly useful when discussing topics like future cybersecurity threats?
Sample answerIt's useful because the future is uncertain. This type of language allows people to talk about possibilities and probabilities without stating them as definite facts, which is more accurate when discussing potential risks that haven't happened yet.
03The article gives the example, 'Quantum computers might pose a serious threat'. In what way does using the word 'might' change the meaning compared to saying they 'will' pose a threat?
Sample answerUsing 'might' shows that the threat is a possibility, not a certainty. It expresses a degree of doubt. If the sentence used 'will', it would sound like a definite prediction, but since we're speculating about the future, 'might' is more appropriate.
04Based on the ideas in the text, how does the concept of 'staying ahead of the curve' relate to preventing a 'data breach'?
Sample answerTo 'stay ahead of the curve' means being proactive and adopting new ideas or technologies early. In the context of cybersecurity, this would mean developing and using new protections before threats become common, which would help prevent systems from becoming vulnerable and stop a data breach from occurring.
4
Key vocabulary
Vocabulary
These expressions will help you discuss future technology and security with more precision.
Examples
A double-edged sword — something that has both positive and negative consequences.
Usage note: This is a common idiom used to describe situations with clear pros and cons. For example: 'Quantum computing is a double-edged sword; it could solve huge problems but also create new security risks.'
To future-proof (something) — to design or update something so it will remain useful and effective in the future, despite new developments.
Usage note: This verb is very common in discussions about technology and business. You can 'future-proof' a system, a company, or even your career.
To exploit a vulnerability — to use a weakness in a system to gain unauthorised access or cause damage.
Usage note: This is a key collocation in cybersecurity. 'Vulnerability' is the weakness, and 'exploit' is the action of using it. For example: 'The hackers were able to exploit a vulnerability in the old software.'
To err on the side of caution — to be especially careful and avoid risks, even if it might not be strictly necessary.
Usage note: This is a useful phrase for discussing strategy and risk management. You can use it to recommend a careful approach: 'When dealing with sensitive data, it's best to err on the side of caution.'
A race against time — a situation where you have to do something very quickly because you have a limited amount of time to finish it.
Usage note: This idiom emphasizes urgency. For example: 'For cybersecurity experts, developing quantum-resistant encryption is a race against time.'
5
Cybersecurity collocations
Many words in English are commonly used together. These are called collocations. Knowing them will make your English sound more natural when discussing technical topics.
Match the beginning of each phrase on the left with its correct ending on the right.
Drag or click to match
Definitions
6
Grammar: Speculative language for future possibilities
Grammar
When we discuss future possibilities, like the technological threats mentioned in the article, we use speculative language. This allows us to express different degrees of certainty, from strong probability to weak possibility, rather than stating something as a definite fact.
Examples
Quantum computers could break current encryption methods within the next decade.
We use 'could', 'may', or 'might' to talk about a future possibility that is uncertain.
Without new security protocols, our data can't be safe from this kind of attack.
Use 'can't be' or 'must not be' to express a strong belief that something is impossible or untrue.
Developing quantum-resistant algorithms must be our top priority.
Use 'must be' to show you are almost certain about something based on logical deduction.
Key points
- Use 'must' for strong certainty and 'can't' for impossibility.
- Use 'may', 'might', and 'could' to express possibility (they are often interchangeable).
- These modals are followed by the base form of the verb (e.g., 'It might happen', not 'It might to happen').
7
Find the mistake
Read the sentences below about technology and cybersecurity.
Each sentence contains one error. Find and correct it.
01If we don't act now, a major data breach must happen within the next decade.
Corrected version
If we don't act now, a major data breach must could happen within the next decade.
02It's crucial to future-proofing our systems against these emerging threats.
Corrected version
It's crucial to future-proofing future-proof our systems against these emerging threats.
03Developing new encryption is a race on time before quantum computers become widespread.
Corrected version
Developing new encryption is a race on against time before quantum computers become widespread.
04Hackers are always looking for new ways of exploit vulnerabilities in our network.
Corrected version
Hackers are always looking for new ways of to exploit vulnerabilities in our network.
05The far-reaching implication of this technology are not yet fully understood.
Corrected version
The far-reaching implication implications of this technology are not yet fully understood.
06Given the uncertainty, it's better to error on the side of caution and upgrade our security now.
Corrected version
Given the uncertainty, it's better to error err on the side of caution and upgrade our security now.
07This new technology is seen as double-edged sword for the industry.
Corrected version
This new technology is seen as a double-edged sword for the industry.
8
Complete the sentences with words from the box. One word is extra.
Word bank
01The software update was released to patch a critical that could have allowed hackers to access user data.
02When designing the new security protocol, it's essential to it against potential quantum attacks.
03Given the rise in sophisticated phishing scams, it's wise to proceed with when opening unexpected email attachments.
04Cybercriminals are constantly searching for new ways to weaknesses in corporate networks.
05Current methods of could become obsolete once powerful quantum computers are widely available.
9
The quantum security dilemma
Read the passage below, then answer the comprehension questions.
The development of quantum computing presents a classic double-edged sword. While it promises to solve problems currently beyond our reach, it also poses a monumental threat to our digital world. The encryption that protects everything from bank accounts to state secrets could conceivably be broken in seconds. This has triggered a frantic race against time for cybersecurity experts, who must develop new algorithms to future-proof our infrastructure. It seems likely that whoever masters this technology first will have an enormous advantage, as they could exploit any vulnerability in older systems. For businesses and governments, the only logical strategy is to err on the side of caution. Waiting until the threat is immediate might be too late; the transition to new security standards must begin now.
01According to the text, what makes quantum computing a 'double-edged sword'?
Sample answerIt has the potential to solve major problems but also threatens to break all current digital encryption.
02Why is the effort to create new security measures described as a 'race against time'?
Sample answerBecause experts must develop and implement new security systems before quantum computers become powerful enough to defeat the current ones.
03What does the passage suggest is the most sensible approach for organizations to take right now?
Sample answerIt suggests they should 'err on the side of caution' by starting the transition to new security standards immediately instead of waiting.
04What can be inferred about the author's view on delaying the adoption of quantum-resistant security?
Sample answerThe author implies that delaying would be a critical mistake with severe consequences, as our most sensitive data would be left unprotected.
10
Discuss these questions with a partner. Try to use vocabulary from the lesson.
- Some argue that when developing powerful new technologies, we should always err on the side of caution and prioritize safety over speed. Others believe it's a race against time to innovate and solve global problems. Which viewpoint do you agree with more, and why?
- Thinking about your own country's government and major industries, how are they trying to future-proof their digital infrastructure against new threats? Do you think they are doing enough, or are there significant vulnerabilities that could be exploited?
- The development of technologies that can break current encryption is clearly a double-edged sword. While it poses a huge security risk, what are some of the greatest potential benefits this level of computing power might bring to society in areas like medicine or climate science?