Levy Olvera • November 2, 2023

Latest News | Preparing for the Quantum Threat: Securing Data in the Age of Quantum

The Quantum Threat and Opportunity

In the ever-evolving landscape of cybersecurity, staying ahead of emerging threats is paramount. One such emerging threat is quantum computing, which has the potential to reshape the world of encryption and data security. In this article, we'll explore the risks posed by quantum computing, the vulnerabilities it creates, and the strategies IT professionals can implement to safeguard sensitive information.


The Quantum Threat:

Quantum computing, with its immense processing power, has the ability to unravel encryption schemes that have long been considered secure. Cryptographic algorithms such as RSA and ECC may become vulnerable in the face of quantum attacks, putting at risk everything from government secrets and financial transactions to personal privacy.


Vulnerabilities in Focus:


Encryption Breaking: Quantum algorithms, like Shor's algorithm, can factor large numbers exponentially faster than classical computers, endangering data encrypted with current methods.


Data Security: Sensitive data, including personal information, financial records, and government secrets, could be exposed, leading to breaches of privacy and national security.


Impact on Financial Systems: Online banking, payment systems, and financial records rely on encryption. The breach of their security could have far-reaching consequences.


National Security: Government and defence agencies depend on encryption to safeguard sensitive information and communication. A quantum attack could compromise national security.


Internet of Things (IoT): IoT devices often lack robust security measures. Quantum computing could expose vulnerabilities in smart homes, connected vehicles, and industrial IoT systems.

Mitigating the Quantum Threat:

IT professionals can take several steps to mitigate the risks posed by quantum computing:


Plan for Post-Quantum Cryptography: Stay informed about the development of post-quantum cryptography, which aims to create encryption methods that can resist quantum attacks. Prepare to transition to these new encryption standards when they become available.


Enhance Encryption Key Length: In the short term, consider increasing key lengths in encryption algorithms. Longer keys are more resistant to quantum attacks, although this is not a foolproof solution.


On the other hand, quantum computing can also be used to develop new encryption algorithms that are secure against quantum attacks. These are often referred to as post-quantum cryptography. Post-quantum cryptographic algorithms are designed to resist quantum attacks and provide long-term security in a quantum computing era. Researchers are actively working on developing and standardising these new encryption methods.


Quantum-safe encryption solutions typically leverage mathematical problems that are hard for both classical and quantum computers to solve. Examples of such approaches include lattice-based cryptography, code-based cryptography, hash-based cryptography, and multivariate polynomial cryptography, among others.


Creating and implementing post-quantum cryptography is crucial to ensure data security in a world where quantum computing becomes more prevalent. These new encryption solutions aim to provide a robust defence against quantum attacks, preserving the confidentiality and integrity of sensitive information.


Implement Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): MFA adds an extra layer of security by requiring users to provide multiple forms of identification, reducing the risk of unauthorised access even if encryption is breached.


Regularly Update Systems: Keep all software, hardware, and security systems up to date to address vulnerabilities and stay ahead of potential threats.


Security Awareness Training: Educate staff about the quantum threat and the importance of data security. Implement best practices for encryption, secure communication, and safe online behaviour.

Quantum computing represents a formidable challenge for the world of cybersecurity. By being proactive and staying informed, IT professionals can take the necessary steps to safeguard their systems and data. Preparing for the quantum threat is not an option but a necessity in the digital age.


As quantum technology continues to advance, being prepared is the key to staying ahead of the curve and ensuring the security of sensitive information and communication in the face of this evolving threat.


In summary, quantum computing has a dual role in encryption: it poses a threat to existing cryptographic systems but also provides the opportunity to develop more powerful, quantum-resistant encryption algorithms for the future. The field of post-quantum cryptography is actively addressing this challenge to ensure the long-term security of digital communication and data protection.


Remember, the quantum threat is not a matter of "if" but "when." Start planning today to protect your data and systems tomorrow.


Sources and further reading.


How effective is quantum computing against elliptic curve cryptography? (n.d.). Cryptography Stack Exchange. https://crypto.stackexchange.com/questions/59770/how-effective-is-quantum-computing-against-elliptic-curve-cryptography


Rakhade, K. (2023, August 25). Shor’s Factoring Algorithm (for Dummies) Step-by-Step with example | Medium. Medium. https://kaustubhrakhade.medium.com/shors-factoring-algorithm-94a0796a13b1


Tanium Inc. (2023, June 9). 3 Ways Banks can Prep for Quantum Computing Threats to Cybersecurity | Focal Point. Tanium. https://www.tanium.com/blog/3-ways-banks-can-prep-for-quantum-computing-threats-to-cybersecurity/


Pape, C. (2023, May 22). How worried should banks be about the dangers of quantum computing? American Banker. https://www.americanbanker.com/news/how-worried-should-banks-be-about-the-dangers-of-quantum-computing