Encryption & Key Management
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Security Operations
Enterprises Prepare for Quantum-Resilient Infrastructures to Combat Future Threats
The urgency to adopt quantum technology stems from emerging security threats such as the “harvest now, decrypt later,” or HNDL, attack. The fear is that adversaries will capture encrypted data today with plans to decrypt it in the future using quantum computers. While the encrypted information may currently be secure, the advent of cryptographically relevant quantum computers could render widely used encryption methods such as RSA-2048 obsolete.
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This risk makes protecting long-lived sensitive data such as intellectual property, customer records and confidential communications a critical priority for businesses. For industries such as finance, healthcare and critical infrastructure, the implications of HNDL attacks are profound.
“Quantum technology offers a revolutionary approach to cybersecurity, providing businesses with advanced tools to counter emerging threats,” said David Close, chief solutions architect at Futurex. By using quantum machine learning algorithms, organizations can detect threats faster and more accurately. These algorithms identify subtle patterns that indicate multi-vector cyberattacks, enabling proactive responses to potential breaches.
Innovations such as quantum key distribution and quantum random number generators enable unbreakable encryption and real-time anomaly detection, making them indispensable in fraud prevention and secure communications, Close said. These technologies not only protect sensitive data but also ensure the integrity of financial transactions and authentication protocols.
A cornerstone of quantum security is post-quantum cryptography, PQC. Unlike traditional cryptographic methods, PQC algorithms are designed to withstand attacks from quantum computers. Standards recently established by the National Institute of Standards and Technology include algorithms such as Kyber, Dilithium and SPHINCS+, which promise robust protection against future quantum threats.
As the race to develop quantum computers intensifies, the need for robust PQC solutions becomes more critical, particularly for entities handling sensitive data and critical infrastructure, said Jason Sabin, CTO at DigiCert.
Enterprise Readiness Gap
A study titled “Quantum Waves” by General Dynamics Information Technology reveals that 50% of federal IT leaders are actively developing strategies to accelerate their transition to PQC. The research also shows that 35% of respondents are in the process of defining their plans and budgets for PQC readiness. The study also found that 46% of respondents have identified key risks associated with current cryptographic practices but have not yet begun formal assessments.
NIST PQC Standards Push
“With finalized NIST PQC standards, agencies must accelerate their migration efforts. By developing flexible and scalable strategies today, they will be prepared to modernize and build long-term resilience against emerging quantum threats,” said Ben Gianni, senior vice president and CTO of GDIT.
Companies such as Futurex are working with enterprises on solutions including the Futurex CryptoHub, which supports NIST-standardized PQC algorithms. This platform allows businesses to seamlessly integrate quantum-safe encryption into their existing infrastructure. It is a unified platform in the hardware security module industry designed to manage critical cryptographic functions while supporting the latest PQC algorithms standardized by NIST, including Kyber, Dilithium and SPHINCS+.
“We enable organizations to enhance data security against quantum threats while seamlessly integrating with their existing infrastructure,” Close said.
What Steps Should Organizations Take Today?
Transitioning to a quantum-resilient infrastructure is critical for safeguarding sensitive data and maintaining competitiveness in the quantum era. To ensure a seamless transition, organizations should:
- Adopt a phased approach, beginning with the discovery and assessment of high-priority assets, applications and infrastructure. A well-defined rollout plan should address vulnerabilities in systems handling the most sensitive and long-lived data.
- Adopt a hybrid cryptographic approach that provides an effective transitional strategy. For instance, when deploying a certificate authority solution, certificates can be issued using both elliptic curve cryptography and PQC algorithms. This dual-layer security ensures protection and compatibility today, enabling smooth migration to fully quantum-resistant systems.
- Replace legacy IT systems through strategic planning to manage challenges such as complexity, interoperability and product life cycle alignment. Organizations can streamline this transition by integrating quantum-safe technologies at the asset replacement stage, ensuring future-ready infrastructure without disrupting current operations.
- Implement a systematic approach and plan proactively to ensure IT strategists can secure the time and insights needed to execute a smooth transition to a quantum-resilient infrastructure, ensuring the organization is prepared for a quantum-safe future.