Scott Aaronson, a prominent professor of computer science at the University of Texas, Austin, recently shared his insights on the current state of quantum computing in a podcast interview1. Aaronson, known for his work on quantum computing theory, discussed the advancements in quantum hardware and the decreasing validity of quantum skepticism. He emphasized the importance of developing fault-tolerant quantum machines, which would enable the creation of useful and reliable quantum computing systems. The conversation also touched on the development of quantum algorithms, the potential risks of quantum computing to cryptography, and the ethical considerations surrounding this emerging technology. Furthermore, Aaronson addressed the commercialization of quantum computing, highlighting the need to separate hype from reality. As quantum computing continues to advance, it is rewriting assumptions about computation and cryptography, with significant implications for various fields. The development of quantum-resistant cryptographic protocols, such as those based on lattice problems or code-based cryptography, is becoming increasingly important to mitigate potential security risks. So what matters to practitioners is that they must stay informed about the latest developments in quantum computing to prepare for the potential disruptions it may cause to their systems and protocols.