I’m going to be real with you: If your data needs to stay secure for years, quantum readiness is urgent.
Upgrading to quantum-safe encryption isn’t like a software patch – it’s a multi-year transition. Attackers are already collecting encrypted data, planning to decrypt when quantum computers mature. That means if you wait too long, your stolen data could be exposed.
Think long-term: financial records, healthcare data, intellectual property – if it needs to stay safe for a decade or more, you need a plan now.
At Keyfactor Tech Days, I had the privilege of engaging with the brightest minds in cybersecurity and cryptography. A key takeaway from the event was that Q Day – the mythical day when quantum threats arrive – is just that: a myth.
In fact, Forbes reported on the unique perspectives from Keyfactor Tech Days, pointing out a critical issue:
“What if the cryptographic certificates used to secure everything from your internet communications to the software updates that are critical to maintaining security in an ever-changing threat landscape were not, well, entirely as secure as you thought?” – Forbes
Think about it: If your data is already in the bad guys’ hands, does it really matter whether they decrypt it in seven minutes, seven days, or seven months? The point is, waiting for some magical deadline is a bad idea because becoming quantum-ready doesn’t happen overnight.
If you missed the event, the first batch of on-demand videos is now available to watch at your convenience.
While there were far too many post-quantum takeaways to recap, I did want to highlight a bit about the PQC sessions and share five action steps you can take to prepare today.
PQC Is Here, Now What? Navigating the Quantum Leap
The “PQC Is Here, Now What?” panel discussion offered interesting insights into how organizations can begin transitioning to PQC, since it’s a pressing reality for every business leader, from crypto-experts to business leaders.
Action Step:
Start by auditing your current cryptographic infrastructure. Review which certificates and algorithms you rely on today and assess their vulnerability to quantum attacks. Work with your security teams to identify areas that need immediate attention, particularly around encryption methods that may need upgrading to quantum-resistant solutions. Begin experimenting with PQC solutions in a test environment to understand how they can be integrated without disrupting your day-to-day operations.
Hybrid Cryptography: The Key to a Smooth PQC Transition
It was clear that attendees had a lot of questions about hybrid! In a packed, standing-room-only workshop, Sven Rajala and Tomas Gustavsson took attendees deep into hybrid cryptography – an approach that blends current cryptographic protocols with post-quantum algorithms.
Each organization’s needs are unique, and hybrid cryptography offers flexibility, making it the most practical way forward.
Action Step:
Consider adopting a hybrid cryptography approach. Look into solutions that allow you to integrate PQC with your current systems. Work with your vendors to evaluate hybrid certificate offerings and start planning a phased migration to PQC algorithms. By adopting hybrid solutions, you can maintain security today while preparing for the future.
AWS Insights: Navigating Post-Quantum Signature Use-Cases
Panos Kampanakis, Principal Security Engineer at AWS, brought fresh perspectives with his session. He highlighted the challenges that organizations may face when implementing quantum-safe signatures for applications like Web APIs, IoT, and code signing.
Understanding the intricacies is essential for preparing your systems for a quantum-safe future.
Action Step:
Assess your specific use cases for cryptographic signatures. Identify which applications in your organization rely heavily on signatures (such as APIs or code signing) and evaluate their vulnerability to quantum attacks. Start experimenting with post-quantum signature schemes in those areas to ensure a smooth transition when the time comes.
Future-Proofing Financial Systems: M&T Bank’s PQC Strategy
In the session led by Kevin Ha from M&T Bank, the focus was on the proactive steps financial institutions must take to prepare for post-quantum cryptography. As quantum computing advances, it’s clear that banks need to begin their transition to PQC immediately. And by adding some practical steps – and a hybrid approach – banks and financial institutions can secure their systems long before quantum computers pose a real threat.
Action Step:
Audit your cryptographic assets and vendors. Review the cryptographic tools used in your financial institution, identify any outdated systems, and prioritize their upgrade to PQC-compatible solutions. Reach out to vendors to ensure they are preparing for PQC integration. Consider hybrid cryptographic systems to maintain security while transitioning to quantum-resistant algorithms.
It Takes A Village: Cross-Industry Collaboration for PQC Success
One of the most thought-provoking sessions at Keyfactor Tech Days was “It Takes A Village: Uniting Perspectives to Tackle Post-Quantum Cryptography Challenges.” The conversation highlighted that quantum computing isn’t a problem any single organization can solve alone. It’s a collective effort. This session reinforced the message that working together is key to solving the quantum puzzle.
Action Step:
Join the conversation. Stay informed on the latest industry developments in PQC by participating in forums, webinars, and working groups. Build relationships with other organizations in your industry and beyond to share insights and collaborate on solving PQC challenges together. Cross-industry partnerships will accelerate the adoption of PQC and ensure the development of universally accepted standards.
The Quantum Road Ahead
Keyfactor Tech Days reinforced that post-quantum cryptography isn’t a distant concern – it’s something we need to address today. Whether adopting hybrid cryptography, staying up-to-date with the latest standards, or preparing your organization for the post-quantum future, the time to act is now.
For those who missed the event or want to revisit the insights, you can watch the sessions here. Let’s start preparing for a quantum-safe future, together.
