18 to 24 months: Shalev Hulio’s estimate for quantum computing to break encryption
The Dream CEO warns that Chinese AI models are enabling Iran to conduct sophisticated cyberattacks alone, shifting the economic balance of global digital warfare.
By Oliver Bennett ·
Shalev Hulio, CEO and co-founder of Dream, stated on November 10 that practical quantum computing applications will arrive within 18 to 24 months. He predicted this technological shift will lead to a cure for cancer within one year of that milestone.
Hulio made these remarks during Cyber Week at Tel Aviv University and in subsequent discussions with journalists. He framed the upcoming quantum era as part of a wider technological triad that will define global power. According to Hulio, the next super nations will be those that control cyber capabilities, artificial intelligence, and quantum computing.
The timeline for these changes follows a rapid expansion of AI use in offensive cyber operations. Hulio noted that Iran has leveraged advanced AI models, particularly those developed in China, to enhance its attack capabilities. He observed that these Chinese models are cheaper and have fewer safety restrictions than their American counterparts. This accessibility has allowed Iranian threat actors to perform tasks that were difficult or impossible just two years ago.
Hulio described a shift in the economics of cyber warfare. Historically, sophisticated attacks required teams of specialists. Now, he said, individuals can conduct complex operations alone. He pointed to specific examples of AI usage, including finding zero-day vulnerabilities and performing lateral movement in networks without human intervention. Attackers also use AI to reverse-engineer software patches, allowing them to identify unpatched systems quickly after vendors release updates.
This democratization of cyber tools means that anyone with access to unguarded Chinese models can launch sophisticated attacks. Hulio warned that this lowers the barrier for nation-states and private groups. He highlighted attacks against water infrastructure in Israel and the United States as evidence of Iran’s growing reach. He also cited campaigns targeting universities and private individuals to steal personal data.
Hulio argued that traditional cybersecurity is obsolete because it focuses on protecting against past threats. He said AI introduces "unknown unknowns" that require new defensive strategies. He emphasized the need for national sovereignty in AI. Governments must control their own computing infrastructure, models, and applications to avoid strategic dependencies similar to those in energy supplies.
Regarding the competitive landscape, Hulio acknowledged that Israel lags behind the United States and China in the number of AI engineers. He believes Israel will lead in specialized areas such as defense robotics and cyber-AI integration. He urged Europe to reduce excessive regulation to maintain competitiveness. He positioned AI as critical infrastructure, comparable to electricity and oil, that requires direct government control.
Hulio concluded by defining the future global order. He stated that mastery of the new technological triad will determine national strength. He identified cyber, AI, and quantum computing as the three pillars of future super nations.
