Quantum computing is rapidly advancing, with major technology firms like Google and IBM projecting the arrival of practical quantum computers within the next decade. These developments mark a pivotal shift in computational capabilities, enabling calculations that could take traditional supercomputers trillions of years to complete in mere microseconds. However, this progress poses significant cybersecurity challenges, as large-scale quantum computers can potentially break most current encryption protocols using algorithms such as Shor's algorithm. Experts emphasize the urgency for global preparedness and the adoption of post-quantum cryptography to safeguard data in the impending quantum era. Recent scientific breakthroughs, including novel methods involving sound waves and photon splitting, further underscore the accelerating pace of innovation in the field. This year also commemorates the centennial of foundational quantum theory papers that laid the groundwork for these advancements.