Final answer:
There is concern that modern encryption could be compromised by quantum computing because quantum computers can perform calculations, like factoring large numbers, much faster than classical computers, potentially breaking schemes like RSA encryption.
Step-by-step explanation:
The concern that modern encryption could be at risk of being broken as quantum computing continues to develop stems from the fact that quantum computers operate on principles of quantum mechanics, which allow them to perform certain calculations significantly faster than classical computers. For example, quantum computers could exploit algorithms such as Shor's algorithm, which is capable of factoring large numbers exponentially faster than the best-known algorithms running on classical computers. This capability can potentially break encryption schemes like RSA, which rely on the difficulty of factoring large numbers as a security basis.
As a quantum-computer processor operates on quantum bits, or qubits, these enable the encoding of information not just as binary digits (zero or one) but in superpositions of states, thus handling multiple calculations simultaneously. This monumental leap in calculation ability could undermine current cryptographic protocols that ensure secure communication and data protection.
Therefore, there is an ongoing quest to develop quantum-resistant encryption methods that can safeguard against these potential vulnerabilities. The duel between encryption standards and quantum computational capabilities is a significant concern in the field of cybersecurity and cryptography.