Quantum Computing Six Myths About Quantum Computing and What's Really Behind Them

Quantum computers are regarded as highly complex all-rounders from which no password is safe and which will make our conventional computers superfluous. But what is really behind the huge hype surrounding the tiny quanta?

Quantum computing is a fascinating field. However, because the technology, which is closely interwoven with physics and mathematics, is a closed book for most people, persistent myths, half-truths and false ideas continue to surround the use of the tiny packets of energy on which our universe is built. This means that quanta are no better off than other new technologies before them, with hype ranging from exaggerated expectations to unfounded fears. NTT Data, a provider of AI, digital business and technology services, has fact-checked six of the most common myths:

Myth 1: Quantum Computers Will Completely Replace Conventional Computers

Fact check: No, they complement conventional computers. Quantum computers are specialists for certain mathematical problems, for example in materials research, logistics or financial analysis. For everyday tasks such as word processing or gaming, however, conventional computers remain much more efficient. Similar to graphics cards, quantum computers accelerate special calculations without making the basic computer superfluous. They are therefore not a replacement, but an extension of the digital toolbox. The trick will be to combine quantum computers with conventional data centers in such a way that the strengths of the different systems interact optimally.

Myth 2: Our Passwords Will Soon Be Worthless

Fact check: The problem is not the passwords, but their encryption The fear that quantum computers will soon crack every password is exaggerated. After all, it is not the password itself that is crucial, but the algorithm behind it. Certain encryption methods would indeed be vulnerable if powerful quantum computers were available today. However, a solution already exists in the form of so-called post-quantum cryptography. It also protects data from future quantum attacks and is already being implemented today. Our passwords will therefore remain secure as long as providers modernize their infrastructure in time.

Myth 3: Quantum Computing is Too Complicated to Ever Understand

Fact check: it's complex, but is becoming increasingly accessible Quantum physics in computers sounds futuristic and reminiscent of Star Trek, but follows clear mathematical rules. The difficulty therefore lies less in the understanding itself, but in the technical implementation. Thanks to cloud-based platforms and simplified programming languages, even developers without a physics degree can now experiment with quantum algorithms—from the comfort of their office or even their desk at home, without the need for a laboratory environment. As with traditional computing, layers of abstraction and tools will gradually demystify the technology—until it could one day be as commonplace as artificial intelligence is today.

Myth 4: Quantum Computers Can Calculate Everything at the Same Time

Fact check: Parallelization only works under certain conditions. The quantum physics principle of superposition allows several computing instructions to run simultaneously on a quantum computer. However, this does not mean that they can automatically solve every task in parallel. Only specially designed algorithms make targeted use of this principle.

Randomness plays an aggravating role here: the result of a calculation based on superposition is not always unambiguous, but determined by probabilities. Unlike with classical parallelization, the results cannot therefore be read out directly and reliably, which is an obstacle for some applications. Quantum computers are therefore not faster at everything, but for certain mathematical problems such as risk modeling or cryptography, they exploit the principle of superposition in such a way that they potentially outperform classical computers.

Myth 5: The Costs Are Uneconomically High

Fact check: still yes—but that is changing. Currently, an initial feasibility test alone for planned projects can easily cost five-figure sums, while the practical benefits remain limited. However, this pattern is not new: even classic computers were initially unaffordable, as large as built-in cupboards and inefficient. With growing competition, technical breakthroughs and scaling, costs will fall rapidly. Major players are investing billions in research and progress. The decisive point at which quantum computing becomes economically viable is therefore getting noticeably closer.

Myth 6: Many Use Cases Are Still Unknown

Fact check: not a myth—that's what makes the field so exciting. Quantum computing is still in its infancy and many potential applications are not yet foreseeable. This is due to the immense variety of possible hardware approaches and algorithms. As soon as economically viable, high-performance systems become established, innovation and use cases will also increase—similar to the internet or AI. One of the most exciting truths about quantum computing is therefore that we don't yet know what will be possible.

"Quantum computing has enormous potential, but not yet a good marketing department," says Christian Nietner, Innovation Center Lead for Quantum Computing at NTT Data DACH. "While AI is currently being demystified by its everyday applications, quantum computing is still an abstract concept for many. This will change—perhaps even faster than we think."

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