A new report from Forrester Research says that quantum security is something every organization must take seriously. Even though quantum computers that can break today’s encryption may still be five to ten years away, preparation needs to begin today.
Why Start Preparing Now?
Merritt Maxim and other analysts at Forrester explain that organizations need time to adjust. The process will take years because it depends on third-party vendors upgrading their systems. If businesses wait, they may not be ready when quantum computers arrive.
What Is ‘Harvest Now, Decrypt Later’?
Hackers and some governments are already collecting encrypted data, hoping to break it in the future with quantum computers. This is called the “harvest now, decrypt later” approach. Sensitive information like bank details, national security secrets, and long-term business data are most at risk.
Big Disruption to Current Encryption
Jamie Boote from Black Duck Software explains that quantum computing will completely change the way we think about encryption. In the past, encryption evolved slowly as computers became faster. Quantum computing will disrupt that cycle, making older security methods weak much faster than before.
The Importance of Acting Early on Quantum Security
Think of quantum security like planting a tree — the best time to start was in the past, but the second-best time is today. Preparing early means fewer security problems later.
What Should Companies Do Now?
Richard Stiennon from IT-Harvest suggests organizations start by finding all their encrypted data. Many companies don’t know where their sensitive data is stored or who controls the encryption keys. Discovering this is the first step to becoming ready for the quantum future.
Understanding Your Data
Heather West from IDC says companies must know what data they have, how it is protected, and what needs stronger security. Only then can they choose the right post-quantum cryptography algorithms for protection.
Be Careful About Investing Too Soon
Luigi Caramico from DataKrypto warns against investing too much in current quantum-proof methods. Some algorithms might not remain secure in the future. Instead, he suggests focusing on present-day security problems and building flexible systems that can easily switch to new algorithms when needed.
What Is Crypto-Agility?
Crypto-agility means being able to quickly upgrade and replace encryption systems. The Forrester report says this will be key in defending against future quantum threats. Organizations will need to update their entire security setup and make it easy to swap algorithms like building blocks.
Designing Flexible Security
Matt Mittelsteadt from the Cato Institute suggests building security systems in a modular way. If one algorithm becomes weak, it can easily be replaced without putting data at risk.
The Financial Risk Is Huge
Stefan Leichenauer from SandboxAQ warns that even a small chance of a quantum attack could lead to trillion-dollar losses. Quantum computing advances are happening fast, and companies need to start reviewing their encryption methods and begin the long process of upgrading to quantum-safe solutions.
Quantum computers may still be years away, but the risk they pose starts now. Every business should inventory their encrypted data, prepare for crypto-agility, and begin moving toward quantum security. Starting today could prevent massive losses tomorrow.
