Key Points
IonQ is starting to look more and more like an industry giant.
Cybersecurity in the quantum computing era will be vital.
IonQ (NYSE: IONQ) is making some major moves in the quantum computing industry. Just the other day, it entered into a $1.3 billion agreement to buy Elisity, a zero-trust cybersecurity company. This is a big deal, as it starts to unveil what kind of company IonQ is looking to be.
I think this indicates IonQ will have multiple ways to profit in the quantum computing era. Given how cheap its stock is, it could be the ultimate quantum computing investment.
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Why is this acquisition a big deal?
IonQ is a pure-play quantum computing company. It's focused on developing a quantum computer to bring this technology to the mainstream.
The company is taking a slightly different approach from some of its peers, using a technique called trapped-ion technology, which yields more accurate calculations rather than faster ones. IonQ is working diligently toward the release of its innovative 256-qubit computer, which could spur early-stage quantum computing adoption. This device is expected to be released sometime in early 2027 and could bring about some huge innovations.
However, quantum computing brings some problems of its own. The sheer computing capacity of quantum computers allows them to easily break current encryption and security methods. In fact, Google informed the world that current cryptocurrency security measures will be bypassed by 2029 using quantum computers. That's a scary proposition, and if a quantum computer falls into the hands of a bad actor, it could cause some chaos.
IonQ is well aware of the security threat posed by the technology it is developing, which is why it purchased Elisity. By bringing this technology in-house, IonQ can start developing a security platform that's quantum-proof and give its users peace of mind that their data and systems are safe from quantum computing-backed threats.
I think this is a smart move by IonQ, bringing it into closer competition with giants in the quantum computing industry, such as Microsoft, Alphabet, and International Business Machines. However, the market wasn't super impressed by IonQ's actions, and the stock dropped nearly 10% following the announcement. I think this is really short-sighted, and given how poorly the stock has performed in 2026, it's well worth buying at today's prices.
The reality is that it's impossible to know which quantum computing stock will end up paying out. IonQ is leading the way in quantum computing accuracy and building an ecosystem around its product. This could prove to be a winning strategy, and if it does, the stock could easily skyrocket. However, it could also flop on its face, so investors should keep a fairly small position size in IonQ's stock; that way, it doesn't tank the whole portfolio if it doesn't pan out.
Keithen Drury has positions in Alphabet, IonQ, and Microsoft. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Alphabet, International Business Machines, IonQ, and Microsoft. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.