NextGov Emerging Technology Column: What the heck is a Quantum Computer?

This week in NextGov, TWB author John Breeden II answers some of his fan mail, and the most asked question of the day: What the heck is a quantum computer? This week he attempts to explain the weird, quirky and physics-defying world that makes up this fascinating new science, and shows why it has got the government so worried.

NextGov: How long can government encryption hold against quantum computers?

If you think that quantum computers are the stuff of science fiction, you might be surprised to learn that there are several powerful ones operating right now, and if they realize their full potential, current government encryption levels might not be enough. NIST is even trying to preemptively develop quantum-resistant encryption. Tune into NextGov for the opening shots of the quantum versus encryption war.

NextGov Emerging Tech: Great Government Gamification Projects

And as more people begin playing games and becoming familiar with the pillars of gaming, gamification projects will also pick up more players. Government agencies should make sure to stay on point with this trend. A good gamification project can enable them to tap into a hugely powerful problem-solving resource, all for the low cost of providing a little bit of fun for their players.

Network World Review: Hot new tools to fight insider threats

An entire industry has sprung up to provide a defense against insider threats. TWB CEO John Breeden reviewed products from Fortscale, Avanan, and PFU Systems for Network World, and found each one concentrating on a different aspect of the problem. Dim the lights, pop the corn, and get ready to delve into the dark and spooky world of the insider threat.

NextGov Weekly Tech Column: NASA working to save Earth from Deadly Meteor Strikes

This week in John Breeden’s NextGov column, he writes about an unlikely NASA presentation that happened at a riotous sci-fi party in Reykjavik, Iceland. It turns out that all those worries about asteroids hitting Earth and killing everyone should soon be a thing of the past as NASA works to complete a new planetary defense platform by 2025.