The Future of Computer Science
The power of computing has yet to be fully realized, and there are several developments that anyone in tech must be aware of. These may seem far-fetched and the computing of the future, but in reality, and based on the speed of technological development, the future of com-sci is happening now, and you could be part of it. This article looks at two of the most exciting developments in computer science and debunks some of the related myths.
Quantum Computing
The IT giants are investing billions in quantum computing, and this is likely to be the biggest thing in computing yet. Think of a machine that is one hundred million times faster than any computer that you have used and that can theoretically perform any computing problem that we consider impossible today and for decades to come. The argument is that the difference between quantum computing and current computers is more extreme than the difference between these computers and pen and paper. It is a profound change in practical computing as well as how we think about the process of computing and it is happening incredibly quickly.
The dominant premise of quantum computing is that it will be able to deal more precisely with uncertainty than any existing supercomputer that is based in a binary system of on or off, yes or no. Traditional computing, based on the 0’s and 1’s and uses bits and bytes to compute, but quantum computing has the quantum bit/qubit that can have more than just the two states at the same time.
Being able to manage uncertainty and to do so quickly is the next step in supercomputing.
Quantum computing will accelerate artificial intelligence
Artificial intelligence requires the manipulation and use of mega data, with datasets that supercomputers struggle to compute. It is here that quantum computing has been observed to speed up the processes and generate complex algorithms for future or even simultaneous machine thinking/computing. The result is a more streamlined, accurate, and speedier AI process.
Improved encryption and data protection
Quantum computing will lead to changes in encryption methods. The major fear of quantum computing has been for many the fact that a cyber-criminal with such computing power could easily determine the mathematical problems or algorithms that the symmetric and asymmetric encryption codes or keys are based on. Hacking passwords and finding ways through firewalls will be easier, and as such the manner in which data is protected and encrypted is changing and will change further in line with quantum computing. This quantum cyber security is able to produce immediate encryption based on self-determined algorithms or mathematical problems that would take a supercomputer thousands of years to calculate.
Zero Trust protocol
Cybercrime and the misuse of data, and big data at that, is causing economies to hemorrhage money. Cyber security is now one of the fastest and most critical areas of innovation and development. As mentioned above, quantum cyber security will go a long way to making cyber-crime outdated, but until such time as we all have a quantum computer protecting our data it is the zero-trust protocol that will provide the best protection.
This security protocol insists on all users being authenticated, verified, and authorized with ongoing validation of security credentials. It is more than simply a protocol or mechanical way of viewing cyber security; but also signals a change in mindset around cyber security and how to protect data.
Multifactor authentication is becoming the norm
Based on the fact that no user is trusted until verified and with the technology now available, it is now possible and common to expect to give various levels of information and personal data to gain entry to the network or specific pieces of information and data. Fingerprint, eye scans, and recognition of facial features are just the beginning, and the future of such authentication is becoming more sophisticated. Authentication layers have been added, and now it’s how you do the things they ask that will be important, the pressure that your use on your smart screen, the angle at which you hold the device, the tone of your voice, and behavioral biometrics will now let you in or keep you out, proving another layer to the zero trust protocol.
Next-gen endpoint security
The sheer number of endpoints in the modern world is difficult to comprehend. As technology has improved and advanced, so has its use expanded and from the smartwatch to the smart home, it is all integrated and its related data in the cloud. Smartphones, handheld devices, watches, medical devices and a plethora of other devices are able to access your data and information. This has necessitated a next-generation of endpoint security which is predominantly based on artificial intelligence.
Examining all activities from all devices and being able to create use patterns and using big data with AI, security is now able to detect unauthorized behavior of users, block suspicious actions, identity malware, and corrupted files using artificial intelligence and isolate suspect endpoints.
Entry to these professions or building a start-up around these concepts will require a solid understanding of the aforementioned advancements in computing. There is also the opportunity to undertake a masters in computer science online and move into the sector from a related background. Both cases will entail a professional level of understanding and ability to program, design applications, develop algorithms, defend the system from attack, and mine and analyze data. These are the key skills that the future of computer science will require.
Quantum computing and the changes to cyber security through the zero-trust protocol are arguably changing computer science as never before. It is a sector in constant flux and growth, and these are but two innovative initiatives that are going to make huge waves in the sector in the not-too-distant future. Lastly, the areas of cyber security and computing as mentioned in this article are undergoing the largest economic growth of their recent history as well as presenting as the biggest threats to data and economic stability, and it is only through innovations such as those discussed here that these threats can be overcome, and the economic growth sustained.
