If your business is new to post-quantum cryptography (PQC), now’s the time to start educating yourself on why it matters — and learn why the best time to migrate to quantum-resistant solutions was yesterday.
The rapid pace of technological advancements and breakthroughs — like that of AI — has effectively reshaped industries overnight. Quantum computing, which has been dubbed the next frontier of technological evolution, has the potential to drive a similar leap. However, along with this promise comes the challenge of addressing considerable risks posed to today’s cryptographic systems.
What Is Post-Quantum Cryptography?
Post-quantum cryptography (PQC) refers to the development of cryptographic algorithms designed for devices — including both standard computers and smartphones — that are resilient against attacks from quantum computers.
Unlike traditional methods, post-quantum cryptography focuses on cryptographic algorithms that rely on mathematical principles capable of withstanding quantum computation. In a future where quantum computers will be widely available, post-quantum cryptography proactively ensures a reliable, long-term approach to information security.
It’s important to distinguish post-quantum cryptography from quantum cryptography. While post-quantum cryptography uses algorithms on conventional computers to protect from threats posed by quantum computers, quantum cryptography leverages the fundamental principles of quantum mechanics to build new cryptographic building blocks that can be used in information security — for example, for quantum key distribution, quantum fingerprinting, or entity authentication using quantum readout.
Post-Quantum Cryptography: Top Strategic Technology Trend
Gartner® has named post-quantum cryptography one of their Top Strategic Tech Trends for 2025. According to Gartner’s article, “Begin Transitioning to Post-QuantumCryptography Now” by Mark Horvath, published on September 30, 2024:
“To resist attacks from both classical and quantum computers, organizations must transition to post-quantum cryptography (PQC). But that’s hardly a simple switch. It will require more work than preparing for Y2K, and failure could have dangerous consequences. Further, many organizations haven’t yet planned or budgeted for this shift.”
Post-quantum cryptography is also mentioned in Gartner’s Hype Cycle for Digital Banking Transformation, published in mid-2024, currently positioned at the peak of inflated expectations, expected for mainstream adoption in 2-5 years.
Hype Cycle is a registered trademark of Gartner, Inc. and/or its affiliates and is used herein with permission. All rights reserved.
The Problem With Conventional Cryptographic Systems
Many of today’s authentication solutions use legacy cryptography methods — like RSA or Elliptic Curve Cryptography (ECC) — which makes them susceptible to attacks via quantum computers. This is because these systems are designed around complex mathematical problems that classical computers can’t quickly solve; however, quantum computers can handle these problems at unprecedented speeds.
While it’s uncertain when quantum computers will pose a significant risk to all the digital services we use, technological breakthroughs can (and do) happen at a breakneck pace, as we’ve seen with AI.
If you’re in doubt about the risks of quantum computers in the near future, remember: The first classical computers were bulky machines that required large, air-conditioned rooms to perform tasks that today’s smartphones handle with ease. It’s not unlikely that a similar acceleration in quantum computing capabilities could occur and leave unprepared systems exposed.
How Your Business Can Prepare for the Quantum Threat
The standardization process for quantum-resistant algorithms is already well underway. Notably, the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has published its first selection of three quantum-resistant algorithms. This marks a significant milestone, as it paves the way for local cyber-security agencies to begin issuing recommendations for transitioning to these new standards.
In response, businesses must act decisively to stay ahead of potential threats posed by advancements in quantum computing and implement quantum-resistant solutions into their ecosystems.
What Should Your Business Do To Get Started?
The potential of quantum computers to disrupt current security protocols can no longer be ignored. For this reason, organizations must take forward-looking steps now to ensure their digital assets remain secure in a post-quantum world.
To prepare for the post-quantum era, your organization should begin by embracing crypto-agility by cataloging cryptography used in various systems, forming an understanding of the timeline of quantum computing developments, and, importantly, acknowledging that unexpected developments can significantly accelerate the timeline. Since breakthroughs in large-scale quantum computing are unlikely to be publicly disclosed on day one, it’s key to take a proactive approach to integrating quantum-resistant solutions.
Actions That Your Business Should Consider Today
- Analyze your current cryptographic exposure: Work with a reliable consulting partner to evaluate and adjust your authentication systems to align with emerging cryptographic advancements. Aim to create a cryptographic inventory to understand algorithms used in your systems to form an understanding of the full impact of quantum computers.
- Assess the impact on various areas, such as TLS/SSL, data encryption at rest (databases, encrypted files), application-level encryption in transfer, user authentication, digital signatures, PKI systems, blockchain deployments, and so on. Check in with your current vendors on their post-quantum roadmap to see if vendor replacement could be necessary.
- Begin migration planning: Start planning the migration of your current solutions that leverage cryptography. It’s necessary to account for the time needed to develop, analyze, and implement solutions that leverage modern cryptographic algorithms.
Wultra’s Role in Post-Quantum Security
At Wultra, we’re committed to safeguarding your data against the emerging threats posed by quantum computing. Our expertise in post-quantum authentication empowers businesses to future-proof their digital identities. By integrating quantum-resistant solutions today, you can protect your users and transactions for years to come.
We’ll be glad to have a tailored discussion with you about how our post-quantum authentication can help secure the future of your business.
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