Science & Tech · Cybersecurity · 4 hrs ago
Organizations urged to prepare for quantum-resistant encryption
Quantum computers could eventually break some of the encryption used to protect data today.
Experts say organizations should start preparing for that risk, even though the timing is uncertain.
Attackers may collect encrypted information now and try to decrypt it later, when more powerful quantum computers become available.
This could threaten data that needs to stay confidential for many years.
The US National Institute of Standards and Technology has finalized standards for post-quantum cryptography, but putting them into existing systems will take time and effort.
Organizations need to identify vulnerable encryption, including certificates and keys, and improve how they manage keys.
Security providers can help assess systems and choose and implement new protections.
Organizations are being urged to begin preparing for encryption threats from future quantum computers.
Attackers could collect encrypted data now and decrypt it later when powerful quantum computers become available.
The timeline for quantum computers capable of breaking current encryption remains uncertain.
Moving to post-quantum cryptography is a complex, lengthy process that requires integrating standards into existing systems.
Organizations are advised to identify vulnerable cryptography and establish robust key management programs.
- Who
- Organizations, solution providers and customers.
- What
- They are urged to prepare for quantum-resistant encryption and begin moving to post-quantum security.
- When
- Initial steps are urged now; the timeline for quantum computers capable of breaking encryption is uncertain.
- Where
- Not stated
- Why
- Future quantum computers may break current encryption, including data collected by attackers for later decryption.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
No direct quotes in the coverage so far.
This story does not have a timeline yet.
- Standards
- NIST has finalized post-quantum cryptography standards.
- Threat
- Attackers could collect encrypted data now and decrypt it later.
- Preparation
- Organizations should identify quantum-vulnerable cryptography, including PKI certificates and keys.
- Implementation
- Integrating post-quantum standards into existing software and systems presents a major challenge.
Sources
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