Post-Quantum Readiness: A Strategic Imperative for Cybersecurity
This article was previously published in CyberProtection Magazine
Quantum computing promises remarkable breakthroughs across science, medicine, and technology, but it also brings a looming threat to cybersecurity. The U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has issued clear warnings: the encryption algorithms that protect today’s data and communications could be rendered obsolete by the power of quantum computers. Once capable of breaking classical cryptography, quantum systems will put the confidentiality, integrity, and authenticity of digital assets at risk.
This is not a distant problem. Government agencies have begun to sound the alarm, encouraging public and private sector organizations to prepare for a post-quantum future now. The U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), the National Security Agency (NSA), and NIST are urging companies to evaluate their current cryptographic posture and chart a path toward quantum resilience. But getting there requires more than just adopting a new set of algorithms.
Going Beyond Algorithm Swaps
“Post-quantum readiness” is not just a technical upgrade—it’s a strategic, organization-wide effort. While new quantum-resistant encryption standards are being finalized, companies must begin preparing by developing a comprehensive understanding of how and where encryption is used within their environment.
That includes building a full inventory of cryptographic protocols in use, mapping out encrypted data flows, and identifying dependencies across business systems. Many organizations are surprised to find that encryption is deeply embedded in everything from internal applications and cloud services to third-party integrations and legacy systems.
Understanding these dependencies is critical. Business functions that rely on encrypted communications – whether to secure customer data, authenticate users, or protect proprietary information – must be identified and assessed for quantum vulnerability. This level of visibility is the foundation of any meaningful post-quantum transition strategy.
A Looming Deadline for Visibility
The timeline for preparation is shrinking. Over the next year, businesses should create a detailed inventory of all cryptographic methods and encrypted data pathways that support critical business functions. This means knowing what algorithms are in use, where they’re implemented, and how they tie into essential services and workflows.
Without this inventory, organizations will be unable to effectively prioritize their migration to post-quantum standards. Worse, they may be left exposed in areas that were overlooked, creating blind spots in otherwise mature security programs.
Building the Inventory
Creating this inventory doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Modern approaches to cyber asset discovery can help accelerate the process. For example, network-based sensors that passively observe data flows can identify where encryption is in use and which systems are communicating securely. By layering in analytics and business context, these tools can help organizations correlate encrypted pathways to specific business functions and compliance requirements.
This kind of continuous, dynamic mapping – especially when supported by automation and AI – offers a scalable way to maintain up-to-date visibility as systems evolve and new technologies are adopted.
Preparing for the Transition
Once the cryptographic landscape is mapped, the real work begins. Organizations must evaluate which cryptographic implementations are quantum-vulnerable and start testing quantum-resistant alternatives. Not every system will need to be upgraded immediately, but those handling sensitive or long-lived data should be prioritized.
Ultimately, transitioning to post-quantum cryptography is not a one-time project. It will unfold over multiple years, requiring coordination across security, IT, compliance, and business teams. Organizations that start now, by developing cryptographic inventories and aligning their security programs with government guidance, will be in a much stronger position to protect their assets as the quantum era arrives.
