Quantum Computing Threat Accelerates: Organizations Urged to Adopt
Post-Quantum Cryptography Now
Gartner is
warning organizations that advances in quantum computing will render the
asymmetric cryptography currently used to secure data and systems unsafe by
2030. The firm is urging enterprises to begin adopting post-quantum
cryptography alternatives immediately to avoid potential data breaches, legal
liability, and financial losses from so-called "harvest now, decrypt
later" attacks.
In harvest
now, decrypt later attacks, adversaries are already collecting encrypted data
today with the intention of decrypting it once sufficiently powerful quantum
computers become available. Sensitive data with long-term confidentiality
requirements — such as national security information, financial records, and
medical data — is particularly at risk.
"Post-quantum
cryptography is reshaping cybersecurity strategies by prompting organizations
to identify, manage, and replace traditional encryption methods while
prioritizing cryptographic agility," said Gartner Director Analyst Alex
Michaels at the Security and Risk Management Summit. "By investing in
these capabilities and prioritizing migration now, assets will be secured when
quantum threats become a reality."
The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has published
its first post-quantum cryptographic standards, providing organizations with a
foundation for migration planning. Cybersecurity teams are advised to conduct a
full inventory of cryptographic assets and begin transitioning high-priority
systems to quantum-resistant algorithms 
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