Post-Quantum Cryptography

Quantum computing promises groundbreaking advancements—but it also threatens to break the very foundations of modern cybersecurity. As we move closer to practical quantum computing capabilities, organizations must begin planning now for a world where traditional encryption may no longer be secure. Welcome to the era of the quantum hacker.

Why Quantum Computing Changes Everything

Most of today’s data security relies on public key cryptography—algorithms like RSA, ECC, and DH—that are mathematically difficult for classical computers to break. However, quantum computers are fundamentally different. With enough stable qubits, quantum machines can run Shor’s algorithm, a method capable of factoring large integers exponentially faster than classical computers. This would render RSA and other widely used encryption methods obsolete.

Though practical, large-scale quantum computers capable of breaking these algorithms don’t exist yet, leading some to think there’s no urgency. But this is where the danger lies.

“Harvest Now, Decrypt Later”

A growing concern among security experts is the “harvest now, decrypt later” strategy. Adversaries, including nation-states, may already be collecting encrypted data with the intent to decrypt it in the future once quantum capabilities are available. This makes data longevity a key concern. Sensitive data—such as intellectual property, medical records, and national security intelligence—needs to remain secure for decades. If encryption methods used today can be broken ten years from now, businesses and governments could face catastrophic data exposure.

The Role of Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC)

Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC) refers to encryption algorithms designed to be secure against both classical and quantum attacks. The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has been leading efforts to standardize quantum-resistant algorithms, with the first set of finalists announced in 2022 and standards expected in 2024–2025.

Algorithms like CRYSTALS-Kyber (for encryption/key encapsulation) and CRYSTALS-Dilithium (for digital signatures) are leading candidates. These algorithms do not rely on number factoring or discrete logarithms, making them far more resistant to quantum decryption attempts.

What Businesses Should Do Now

While widespread quantum computing may still be several years away, forward-thinking organizations are taking steps today to prepare:

1. Inventory your cryptographic assets: Know where and how cryptographic algorithms are used across your systems and vendors.
2. Develop a crypto-agility strategy: Ensure your systems can be updated with new algorithms without needing a full rebuild.
3. Monitor standards: Stay current with NIST’s progress and be ready to adopt new standards when finalized.
4. Begin limited testing: Evaluate quantum-safe algorithms in non-critical environments to understand potential performance impacts and implementation hurdles.
5. Secure long-lifespan data: Prioritize upgrading encryption for data that must remain secure for decades, especially in sectors like healthcare, defense, and finance.

The quantum future is coming—whether we’re ready or not. By adopting a proactive approach now, businesses can reduce the risk of future compromise, maintain customer trust, and ensure long-term data protection.

The cost of inaction? Potentially everything encrypted today.

Source: Reveald Blog