As with any technological advancement, quantum computers create both an opportunity and a threat. The danger is a real one that businesses need to prepare for because quantum could mean traditional encryption methods are ineffective, giving nefarious cybercriminals an easy way to expose sensitive data.
But let’s back up for a minute. At its core, quantum computing uses quantum bits or qubits, which can store more information than traditional computers, and can be helpful in industries such as automotive, healthcare, consumer electronics, just to name a few. Here’s the risk: While quantum computers have yet to outsmart today’s encryption, it is a possibility in the future—and we must be prepared.
A new report, released on Monday, September 23, gives us some insights. The research titled Quantum Readiness Roadmap: What Technology Leaders Need to Know about the Quantum Threat, is from the Transformative Cyber Innovation Lab at the nonpartisan Foundation for Defense Democracies in D.C.
There are a couple of key points in this report that need to be addressed and that I want to highlight specifically that will be key for businesses to know as we are moving forward.
A Big Shift for Quantum
Perhaps the biggest question weighing on everyone’s mind is when will quantum computers break current encryption? That question is still up for debate, but there are still big shifts happening in anticipation of when that day will happen.
One critical change we see coming is the federal government has mandated that all federal systems transition to new quantum-resistant encryption standards, known as post-quantum cryptography, by 2035. The report suggests regulatory bodies and industry standards will follow suit, which will mean companies need to begin upgrading to quantum-resistant algorithms.
Quite frankly, regulations aside, organizations must be diligent as technology continues to evolve. They must recognize the threat that exists, or the consequences could be dire. Organizations could face financial loss, damage to reputation, and other disruptions inside of business operations, just to name a few risks.
Steps to Prepare
With all this in mind, what steps can businesses take today to prepare for this quantum shift that will inevitably happen in the future? The authors of the report have a few recommendations.
- Designate a leader to spearhead the effort.
- Inventory all encryption systems.
- Prioritize which systems to address based on potential risks.
- Understand available mitigation strategies.
- Develop a realistic transition plan.
- Regularly monitor and adjust the plan as needed.
What steps will you take to prepare for the next era of computing? Have you considered how you will secure all your data? The time is now to take a step toward the future.
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