Quantum algorithms are computational procedures that leverage the principles of quantum mechanics to solve problems more efficiently than classical algorithms. They utilize quantum bits, or qubits, which can exist in multiple states simultaneously, allowing for parallel processing and faster computations. One of the most famous quantum algorithms is Shor's Algorithm, which can factor large numbers exponentially faster than the best-known classical algorithms. This has significant implications for cryptography, as it could potentially break widely used encryption methods. Another notable example is Grover's Algorithm, which provides a quadratic speedup for unstructured search problems.