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Superposition, not Superstition
Saturday September 12, 2026 10:30am - 11:30am CDT
Swissôtel Chicago
SUPERPOSITION WITHOUT SUPERSTITION
Why the foreseeable state of quantum computing is not a nightmare for security practitioners


In this illuminating talk, we’ll cut through the quantum hype to reveal why security professionals can approach quantum computing with informed confidence rather than panic.


While headlines scream about the imminent apocalypse of our cryptographic systems, reality paints a dramatically different picture. This presentation delivers a refreshingly sober analysis of quantum computing’s actual security implications, replacing fear with facts.


Key Insights:
Reality Check on Timelines
The horizon for practical cryptographically relevant quantum computers stretches far beyond sensationalist coverage, likely years or even decades before systems capable of breaking RSA or ECC at a meaningful scale materialize. Even then, these systems will initially be massive research facilities accessible primarily to nation-states, not everyday threat actors.


“Unless you’re a high-priority target for these select few actors with nation-state resources, should quantum computing really keep you up at night?”


Technical Hurdles That Won’t Disappear Overnight
We’ll dissect the substantial challenges quantum computing still faces, comparable to nuclear fusion energy, where “breakthrough announcements” often represent minimal progress in the greater journey. Error correction requirements, qubit coherence limitations, and scaling challenges aren’t merely engineering problems but fundamental physics puzzles requiring revolutionary solutions.


The Quantum Security Advantage
Discover how quantum technologies themselves offer robust security benefits through innovations like Quantum Key Distribution (QKD). Learn how the security community’s decades of preparation have yielded practical post-quantum cryptographic standards and hybrid approaches that organizations can implement today as part of sensible transition strategies.


Practical Preparation
Walk away with actionable insights on how to approach quantum-resistant security planning without overinvesting or underestimating. Learn which threats are real, which are exaggerated, and how to communicate quantum risks accurately to stakeholders and executives.


Join us for a reality-based assessment that replaces quantum superstition with quantum understanding, providing security practitioners with a practical perspective on this fascinating technological frontier. 

This session is ideal for CISOs, security architects, and security practitioners who need to separate quantum computing fact from fiction.
Speakers
avatar for Johnny Xmas

Johnny Xmas

Global Head of Offensive Security, Fortune 150 Food & Bev Manufacturer
Johnny Xmas, a prominent figure in the Information Security community since 2002, is a board member of both Chicago's famous BurbSec community, as well as its BSides312 conference. He's most notably recognized for his pivotal role in exposing the American TSA Master Key leaks (2014-2018... Read More →
Saturday September 12, 2026 10:30am - 11:30am CDT
Swissôtel Chicago 323 E Wacker Dr, Chicago, IL 60601, USA
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