Many experts believe that quantum computing will arrive in the next decade. The unparalleled processing capabilities of these computers hold promise for advances in material science, drug discovery, artificial intelligence, environmental science, and much more. While quantum computing opens up the potential for exciting breakthroughs across sectors, these computers also pose a significant threat to widely used cryptography currently securing billions of devices and more than 80% of communications over the global internet.
Cryptographic algorithms like RSA and ECC, which secure much of the world’s digital communication and data, are particularly vulnerable to quantum attacks. A cryptographically relevant quantum computer (CRQC) is powerful enough to crack these encryption algorithms, rendering these systems obsolete and putting the security, privacy, and availability of sensitive data at risk.
With commercially viable quantum computers on the horizon, it is critical for all organizations to take steps NOW to quantum-proof enterprise security by migrating to post-quantum cryptography (PQC).
No time to waste
Gartner predicts that by 2029, advances in quantum computing will render applications, data and networks protected by asymmetric cryptography unsafe and by 2034, quantum computing technologies will be able to fully break this cryptography.
IT leaders understand they are staring down the barrel of quantum threats. According to a DigiCert report, these leaders expressed concern about the timeframes in which to prepare with 41% saying that their organizations have less than five years to get ready.
While CRQCs are not a reality right now, quantum threats are.
Cybercriminals are executing “hack now, decrypt later” attacks to harvest sensitive communications and data, storing this information until they can decrypt it once quantum technology becomes accessible.
This underscores the critical necessity for tech leaders to rapidly transition to quantum-safe cryptography to ensure the confidentiality and integrity of systems, applications, and business communication.
Stay ahead of quantum threats
Organizations must start integrating quantum-resistant algorithms into their technology stacks now. To prepare for a post-quantum world and create a quantum-resilient future for their organizations, IT leaders should take the following proactive steps in their migration to PQC:
•Audit cryptographic assets
Take inventory of existing encrypted assets to identify all systems and applications that rely on public key cryptography. A comprehensive cryptographic inventory should include communication channels, email systems, servers, databases, VPNs, and security tools.
•Develop a transition plan
Create a PQC transition plan that prioritizes the organization’s most critical assets. This plan should include timelines with clear deadlines and a list of resources required for the transition including human, financial, and technological. Some of the most vulnerable systems include communication networks or cloud servers that contain sensitive data such as customer information or proprietary data. These can prove valuable starting points when beginning a full transition.
•Build crypto-agility
As enterprises begin the migration to PQC, it is important to design systems with cryptographic flexibility to adapt to new standards as they emerge. Building crypto agility like this will ensure that enterprises are able to switch to updated cryptographic algorithms without major operational disruptions.
•Leverage NIST resources
To help enterprises protect against quantum threats, the U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) released three PQC standards in August 2024. These standards provide a roadmap for securing a wide range of digital information including confidential business communication, e-commerce transactions, and more. NIST is encouraging IT administrators to start integrating these encryption standards into their systems immediately.
•Assess the supply chain
Organizations should contact their technology vendors to ask about their plans for transitioning to PQC. This discussion will help enterprises understand vendor quantum readiness and provide clarification on vendor plans and timelines for migrating to PQC.
•Make digital communication quantum-safe
With NetSfere’s mobile messaging platform, enterprises can ensure digital communication remains secure now and in the quantum era.
NetSfere’s industry leading post-quantum crypto-agile architecture sets a new standard for secure communications in the industry.
NetSfere is designed to meet future cryptographic challenges, in 2024 the company announced the integration of NIST-recommended FIPS 203 ML-KEM with Kyber-1024 strength security.. This advanced post-quantum encryption ensures that NetSfere’s security remains resilient and robust, safeguarding enterprise data against the threats of today and the complex quantum threats of tomorrow.
Wrapping Up
It’s not a matter of if quantum threats will arrive, it is a matter of when.
IT leaders must move PQC transition to the top of their priority lists to safeguard sensitive communication and data against quantum threats.
PwC noted that “by adopting quantum-resistant technologies, and fostering a culture of agility and preparedness, organizations can build the resilience necessary to safeguard their most essential assets. This isn’t just about a technological upgrade. It’s a strategic imperative for business survival.”
The clock is ticking.
