Steps for Transitioning to Quantum-Safe Services

🔐Word o’ the Day | Year | Decade: Crypto-agility, Baby! Yesterday morning, I did a fun fireside chat with Bethany Gadfield - Netzel at the FIA, Inc. Expo in Chicago. We talked about cyber resilience, artificial intelligence, Rubik’s cubes, and that thing called quantum! A question came up at the end, “What can firms actually do today to begin transitioning to post-quantum cryptography?” So thought I would take the opportunity to share my thoughts more broadly on this important, but not super well understood, topic: 1. Don’t wait. The clock for quantum-safe cryptography is already ticking. NIST released its first set of post-quantum standards last year (https://lnkd.in/esTm8uPw) and CISA put out a “Strategy for Migrating to Automated Post-Quantum Discovery and Inventory Tools” last year as part of its broader Post Quantum Cryptography (PQC) Initiative (https://lnkd.in/evpF4umv). h/t Garfield Jones, D.Eng.! 2. Inventory & prioritize. Map all cryptographic usage: what keys, certificates, protocols, and data streams exist today? Which assets hold long-lived value and are at risk of “harvest-now, decrypt-later”? Build a migration roadmap that prioritizes highest-risk systems (e.g., financial settlement platforms, inter-bank links, legacy encryption). 3. Establish crypto-agility. Ensure your architecture supports swapping algorithms, updating certificates, & layering classical + post-quantum primitives without a full system rebuild. This kind of flexibility is key for resilience. 4. Pilot and migrate. Use the new NIST-approved algorithms; experiment first on less time-sensitive systems, validate performance and interoperability, then scale to mission-critical applications. NIST’s IR 8547 report provides a framework for this transition. 5. Vendor & supply-chain alignment. Ask your vendors & service providers: “What’s your PQC transition plan? When will you support NIST-approved post-quantum algorithms? Are your update paths crypto-agile?” If the answer isn’t clear or (as a former boss of mine used to say) they look at you like a “pig at a wristwatch,” you’ve got a potentially serious third-party risk. 6. Board and Exec engagement. Position this not as an IT problem but a fiduciary risk and resilience imperative. The transition to quantum-safe cryptography is multi-year and multi-layered—waiting until it’s urgent means it will be too late.

NIST – Migration to Post-Quantum Cryptography Quantum Readiness outlines a comprehensive framework for transitioning cryptographic systems to post-quantum cryptography (PQC) in response to the emerging threat of quantum computers. Quantum technology is advancing rapidly and poses a significant risk to current public-key cryptographic methods like RSA, ECC, and DSA. This guide aims to assist organizations in preparing for and implementing PQC to safeguard sensitive data and critical systems. Key Points  The Quantum Threat Quantum computers are expected to disrupt cryptography by efficiently solving mathematical problems that underpin widely used encryption and key exchange methods. This would render current public-key systems ineffective in protecting sensitive data, emphasizing the need for cryptographic agility.  NIST PQC Standards NIST is spearheading efforts to standardize quantum-resistant algorithms through an open competition and evaluation process. These algorithms, designed to withstand quantum attacks, focus on two primary areas: 1. Key Establishment: Protecting methods like Diffie-Hellman and RSA key exchange. 2. Digital Signatures: Securing authentication processes.  Migration Framework The document provides a phased approach to migrating cryptographic systems to PQC: 1. Assessment Phase:    - Inventory cryptographic dependencies in current systems.    - Evaluate systems at risk from quantum threats based on sensitivity and lifespan. 2. Preparation Phase:    - Conduct pilot testing of candidate PQC algorithms in existing infrastructure.    - Develop a hybrid approach that combines classical and post-quantum algorithms to ensure interoperability during transition. 3. Implementation Phase:    - Replace vulnerable cryptographic methods with PQC in a phased manner.    - Ensure scalability, performance, and compatibility with existing systems. 4. Monitoring and Updates:    - Continuously monitor the effectiveness of implemented solutions.  Challenges in PQC Migration - Performance Impact: PQC algorithms often have larger key sizes, increased latency, and greater computational demands compared to classical algorithms. - Interoperability: Ensuring smooth integration with legacy systems poses significant technical challenges.  Best Practices - Use hybrid encryption to maintain compatibility while testing PQC algorithms. - Engage in collaboration with vendors, industry groups, and government initiatives to align with best practices and standards. Conclusion The transition to post-quantum cryptography is a proactive measure to secure data and communications against future threats. NIST emphasizes the importance of starting preparations immediately to mitigate risks and ensure a smooth, efficient migration process. Organizations should focus on inventorying dependencies, piloting PQC solutions, and developing cryptographic agility to adapt to this transformative technological shift.

I've given talks about Post Quantum Cryptography the past few years and pretty much everyone has appreciated the heads up, for those that haven't made it to a talk here are the highlights of what you need to do to prepare for Quantum Computers. 1) Build organizational readiness: • Educate and align the C-suite on the urgency of quantum risk and make the business case for a multi-year investment, i.e. get budget. • Identify personnel responsible for migration execution across different teams, i.e. assign a point person for this project. 2) Discover what you have and assess if the systems are ready: • Get an inventory of you hardware and software assets to identify encryption protocols and categorize them (PQ ready, depreciated, really old). • Assess whether hardware assets have sufficient compute to support PQC algorithms (most systems will but the OS might not be ready) • Figure out which systems will require upgrades or replacements. • Identify vendors and partners that you use and discuss their PQC roadmaps, migration support capabilities. [This one is key, talk to your vendors, find out what they are doing, or not doing!] 3) Begin getting Quantum ready • Buy the hardware / software and replace or upgrade whatever does not support PQ cryptography • Test things! Run proof-of-concept deployments in controlled environments (i.e. your test environment) and use a hybrid approach that combine current and post-quantum algorithms. 4) Deploy Quantum ready solutions • Roll out your solutions / new hardware & software in phases, starting with your high priority systems (Duh). • Ensure configurations enforce quantum-safe algorithms by default and automatically block deprecated algorithms when possible (this will be harder than you might think). • Update your security policies to manage both current and quantum-safe network traffic as you transition. • For the old stuff you can't get rid of, use proxy solutions to make IoT devices (like hospitals, manufacturing, etc.) quantum-ready until they can be updated directly. Last but not least, be prepared to change encryption schemes going forward, what we call, Crypto Agility. 5) Keep patching your stuff • Now that you have a list of your hardware and software and what kind of encryption is uses, do this: • Monitor your inventory for vulnerabilities or new threats. Keep in mind that PQ standards are new and they will likely change over time. • Establish a process to replace or update vulnerable algorithms There, you've now just read my talk, but you missed all my jokes and fun stories, but you got the details / important take aways. 😃 😁 😀 If you want the Internal Control Questionnaire (#ICQ) I put together for some auditor friends, message me here and I'll send it to you.

🚨 NEW PEER-REVIEWED RESEARCH: PQC Migration Timelines Excited to share my latest paper published in MDPI Computers: "Enterprise Migration to Post-Quantum Cryptography: Timeline Analysis and Strategic Frameworks." The transition to Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC) represents a watershed moment in the history of our digital civilization. Organizations planning for a 3-5 year "upgrade" will fail. The reality is a 10-15-year systemic transformation. Key Contributions: 📊 Realistic Timeline Estimates by Enterprise Size: Small (≤500 employees): 5-7 years Medium (500-5K): 8-12 years Large (>5K): 12-15+ years ⚠️ Critical Finding: With FTQC expected 2028-2033, large enterprises face a 3-5 year vulnerability window—migration may not complete before quantum computers break RSA/ECC. 🔬 Novel Framework Analysis: Causal dependency mapping (HSM certification, partner coordination as critical paths) "Zombie algorithm" maintenance overhead quantified (20-40%) Zero Trust Architecture implications for PQC 💡 Practical Guidance: Crypto-agility frameworks and phased migration strategies for immediate action. Strategic Recommendations for Leadership: 1. Prioritize by Data Value, Not System Criticality: Invert the traditional triage model. Systems protecting long-lived data (IP, PII, Secrets) must migrate first, regardless of their operational uptime criticality, to mitigate SNDL. 2. Fund the "Invisible" Infrastructure: Budget immediately for the expansion of PKI repositories, bandwidth upgrades, and HSM replacements. These are long-lead items that cannot be rushed. 3. Establish a Crypto-Competency Center: Do not rely solely on generalist security staff. Invest in specialized training or retain dedicated PQC counsel to navigate the mathematical and implementation nuances. The talent shortage will only worsen. 4. Demand Vendor Roadmaps: Contractual language must shift. Procurement should require vendors to provide binding roadmaps for PQC support. "We are working on it" is no longer an acceptable answer for critical supply chain partners. 5. Embrace Hybridity: Accept that the future is hybrid. Design architectures that can support dual-stack cryptography indefinitely, viewing it not as a temporary bridge but as a long-term operational state. 6. Implement Automated Discovery: You cannot migrate what you cannot see. Deploy automated cryptographic discovery tools to continuously map the cryptographic posture of the estate, identifying shadow IT and legacy instances that manual surveys miss. The quantum clock is ticking. Start planning NOW. https://lnkd.in/eHZBD-5Y 📄 DOI: https://lnkd.in/ejA9YpsG #PostQuantumCryptography #Cybersecurity #QuantumComputing #PQC #InfoSec #NIST #CryptoAgility

𝗗𝗮𝘆 𝟴: 𝗗𝗮𝘁𝗮 𝗦𝗲𝗰𝘂𝗿𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗣𝗼𝘀𝘁 𝗤𝘂𝗮𝗻𝘁𝘂𝗺 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 In today’s hyper-connected world, data is the new currency and the perimeter, and it is essential to safeguard them from Cyber criminals. The average cost of a data breach reached an all-time high of $4.88 million in 2024, a 10% increase from 2023. Advances in 𝗾𝘂𝗮𝗻𝘁𝘂𝗺 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗽𝘂𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 further threaten traditional cryptographic systems by potentially rendering widely used algorithms like public key cryptography insecure. Even before large-scale quantum computers become practical, adversaries can harvest encrypted data today and store it for future decryption. Sensitive data encrypted with traditional algorithms may be vulnerable to retrospective attacks once quantum computers are available. As quantum technology evolves, the need for stronger data protection grows. Google Quantum AI recently demonstrated advancements with its Willow processors, which 𝗲𝗻𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲𝘀 𝗲𝗿𝗿𝗼𝗿 𝗰𝗼𝗿𝗿𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝘂𝗿𝗳𝗮𝗰𝗲 𝗰𝗼𝗱𝗲. These breakthroughs underscore the growing efficiency and scalability of quantum computers. To address these threats, Enterprises are turning to 𝗮𝗴𝗶𝗹𝗲 𝗰𝗿𝘆𝗽𝘁𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗽𝗵𝘆 to prepare for Post Quantum era. Proactive Measures for Agile Cryptography and Quantum Resistance: 1. 𝗔𝗱𝗼𝗽𝘁 𝗣𝗼𝘀𝘁-𝗤𝘂𝗮𝗻𝘁𝘂𝗺 𝗔𝗹𝗴𝗼𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗵𝗺𝘀 Transition to NIST-approved PQC standards like CRYSTALS-Kyber, CRYSTALS-Dilithium, Sphincs+. Use hybrid cryptography that combines classical and quantum-resistant methods for a smoother transition. 2. 𝗗𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗴𝗻 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗔𝗴𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆 Avoid hardcoding cryptographic algorithms. Implement abstraction layers and modular cryptographic libraries to enable easy updates, algorithm swaps, and seamless key rotation. 3. 𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗼𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗞𝗲𝘆 𝗠𝗮𝗻𝗮𝗴𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 Use Hardware Security Modules (HSMs) and Key Management Systems (KMS) to automate secure key lifecycle management, including zero-downtime rotation. 4. 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝘁𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝗗𝗮𝘁𝗮 𝗘𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘆𝘄𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲 Encrypt data at rest, in transit, and in use with quantum resistant standards and protocols. For unstructured data, use format-preserving encryption and deploy data-loss prevention (DLP) tools to detect and secure unprotected files. Replace sensitive information with unique tokens that have no exploitable value outside a secure tokenization system. 5. 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝗻 𝗔𝗵𝗲𝗮𝗱 Develop a quantum-readiness strategy, audit systems, prioritize sensitive data, and train teams on agile cryptography and PQC best practices. Agile cryptography and advanced data devaluation techniques are essential for protecting sensitive data as cyber threats evolve. Planning ahead for the post-quantum era can reduce migration costs to PQC algorithms and strengthen cryptographic resilience. Embrace agile cryptography. Devalue sensitive data. Secure your future. #VISA #PaymentSecurity #Cybersecurity #12DaysofCyberSecurityChristmas #PostQuantumCrypto

We just hit 10,000 downloads of my free PQC (post-quantum cryptography) Migration Framework. The most common feedback surprised me. It wasn't "thanks for the resource" or "interesting…" From the people in my network who reached out, the most common response was some version of: "we have to redo our entire quantum security strategy." I've now gotten enough direct feedback to say this is the best empirical data I have for something I suspected - most organizations started thinking about PQC migration this year, but they're working from incomplete mental models of what migration actually requires. A checklist that says "swap RSA for ML-KEM" does not capture the complexity of enterprise-wide quantum readiness program. The PQC Migration Framework (https://pqcframework.com) is free, open-source (CC BY 4.0), and built from what I've learned working across critical infrastructure, financial services, and defense - environments where getting this wrong has consequences that go beyond compliance findings. What it covers that most internal efforts miss: - Cryptographic discovery that goes beyond certificate inventories - hardcoded keys, embedded protocols, third-party dependencies. And Minimum Viable CBOM model - you don't need 100% inventory to start migrating (you can’t even achieve it). - Immediate classical security value - the same inventory that finds quantum-vulnerable RSA also surfaces deprecated TLS 1.0/1.1, weak keys, expired certs, and hardcoded secrets. - Vendor dependency as the real critical path - most PQC timelines are most constrained by vendor GA dates. The framework includes procurement clauses, bridging patterns, and escalation playbooks for when vendors miss commitments. - Hybrid deployment strategies that don't break existing interoperability (but can still introduce new different vulnerabilities and operational overhead if you're not careful) - Governance structures that treat PQC migration as a multi-year program, not a one-off project - and many other points... If your organization has started its quantum readiness journey, or thinks it has, stress-test your approach against the framework. The teams that had to restart weren't behind. They were just working from assumptions that didn't hold up. The framework is completely free. No registration, no email gate, no "request a demo" - just a direct download. https://pqcframework.com #pqc #postquantum #quantumsecurity #quantumreadiness

By 2035, quantum computers could break today’s RSA/ECC, threatening everything from over-the-air updates to payments, V2X, charging, telematics, and dealer systems. And “harvest-now, decrypt-later” means data we encrypt today may be readable tomorrow. Thankfully, there’s a path forward with Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC). So here's what we’re doing (and what I recommend): 1️⃣ Prioritize what matters: Classify apps/data by sensitivity & lifespan (vehicles, keys, firmware, contracts). Tackle the critical 10% first. 2️⃣ Start pilots now: Stand up PQC for key exchange and signatures (NIST picks: CRYSTALS-Kyber, Dilithium, plus FALCON/SPHINCS+ where appropriate). Wrap legacy with interim controls where upgrades aren’t yet feasible. 3️⃣ Engineer for the edge/IoT: Plan for constrained ECUs and long service lives; align PQC with model year cycles and sunset plans to avoid hardware rip-and-replace. 4️⃣ Educate & govern: A cross-functional council (CISO, engineering, legal, procurement) to drive roadmap, metrics, and auditability. Quantum risk isn’t a future storm; it’s a countdown. Organizations that move now will secure their platforms and earn customer trust in the next digital economy. #Cybersecurity #PQC #RiskManagement 📸: BCG

🔑"𝐇𝐚𝐫𝐯𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐍𝐨𝐰, 𝐃𝐞𝐜𝐫𝐲𝐩𝐭 𝐋𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐫" (𝐇𝐍𝐃𝐋) attacks intercept RSA-2048 or ECC-encrypted files, stockpiling them for future decryption. Once a powerful quantum computer comes online, they can unlock those archives in hours, exposing years’ worth of secrets. This silent threat targets everything from personal records to diplomatic communications. 🔐 📌 HOW CAN CYBERSECURITY LEADERS AND EXECUTIVES PREPARE? 🎯🎯𝐁𝐮𝐢𝐥𝐝 𝐂𝐫𝐲𝐩𝐭𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐩𝐡𝐢𝐜 𝐀𝐠𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲: Ensure your systems can swiftly swap out cryptographic algorithms without extensive re-engineering. 𝐂𝐫𝐲𝐩𝐭𝐨-𝐚𝐠𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐢𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐚𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐭𝐨 𝐫𝐚𝐩𝐢𝐝𝐥𝐲 𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐨 𝐮𝐩𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐫𝐲𝐩𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐫𝐝𝐬 𝐚𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐲 𝐛𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐚𝐯𝐚𝐢𝐥𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞. Designing for agility now will let you plug in PQC algorithms (or other replacements) with minimal disruption later. 🎯𝐈𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐇𝐲𝐛𝐫𝐢𝐝 𝐂𝐫𝐲𝐩𝐭𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐩𝐡𝐲: Do not wait for the full PQC rollout. 👉 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐡𝐲𝐛𝐫𝐢𝐝 𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐫𝐲𝐩𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐍𝐎𝐖! Combine classic schemes like ECDH or RSA with a post-quantum algorithm (e.g. a dual key exchange using ECDH + Kyber). 🎯𝐌𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐧 𝐚 𝐂𝐫𝐲𝐩𝐭𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐩𝐡𝐢𝐜 𝐁𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐨𝐟 𝐌𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐚𝐥𝐬 (𝐂𝐁𝐎𝐌): 👉𝐈𝐧𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲 𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐜𝐫𝐲𝐩𝐭𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐩𝐡𝐢𝐜 𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐭𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐨𝐫𝐠𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐳𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧: algorithms, key lengths, libraries, certificates, and protocols. A CBOM provides visibility into where vulnerable algorithms (like RSA/ECC) are used and helps prioritize what to fix. 🎯🎯𝐀𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐧 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐍𝐈𝐒𝐓’𝐬 𝐐𝐮𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐮𝐦 𝐌𝐢𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐑𝐨𝐚𝐝𝐦𝐚𝐩: Follow expert guidance for a structured transition. 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐔.𝐒. 𝐠𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 (𝐂𝐈𝐒𝐀, 𝐍𝐒𝐀, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐍𝐈𝐒𝐓) 𝐚𝐝𝐯𝐢𝐬𝐞𝐬 𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚 𝐪𝐮𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐮𝐦-𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐫𝐨𝐚𝐝𝐦𝐚𝐩, starting with a thorough cryptographic inventory and risk assessment. Keep abreast of NIST’s PQC standards timeline and recommendations.  National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) #𝐇𝐍𝐃𝐋 Cyber Security Forum Initiative #CSFI 🗝️ Now is the time to future-proof your encryption! 🗝️ 𝑌𝑜𝑢 𝑠ℎ𝑜𝑢𝑙𝑑𝑛'𝑡 𝑎𝑠𝑠𝑢𝑚𝑒 𝑡ℎ𝑎𝑡 𝑦𝑜𝑢𝑟 𝑑𝑎𝑡𝑎 𝑖𝑠 𝑠𝑒𝑐𝑢𝑟𝑒 𝑗𝑢𝑠𝑡 𝑏𝑒𝑐𝑎𝑢𝑠𝑒 𝑖𝑡 𝑖𝑠 𝑒𝑛𝑐𝑟𝑦𝑝𝑡𝑒𝑑...

Every password you've ever created will be worthless in 10 years. Every encrypted file you have. Every VPN connection. Every bank transaction. All of it breakable. Not by hackers. By quantum computers. And here's the terrifying part: Hackers are already stealing your encrypted data right now—waiting for quantum computers to decrypt it later. It's called "harvest now, decrypt later." Your 2025 encrypted emails? They'll read them in 2030. Your secure medical records? Exposed in 2032. Your company's trade secrets? Wide open by 2035. This isn't science fiction. It's happening. I just spent 3 days at Quantum.Tech World talking to CISOs, cryptographers, and quantum researchers. Here's what they're telling enterprise leaders behind closed doors: The current encryption protecting your data has an expiration date. Every system using RSA, ECC, or Diffie-Hellman (basically all of them) will be vulnerable once quantum computers mature. The good news? New quantum-resistant encryption standards just got approved (Post-Quantum Cryptography - PQC). Google, Microsoft, AWS are already implementing them. The bad news? Most enterprises haven't even started their migration plan. And this isn't a "flip a switch" update. It's a multi-year transformation affecting: → Every application → Every database → Every API → Every authentication system → Every backup Three types of companies emerging: Type 1: The Ostriches "Quantum computers are decades away, we'll deal with it later." Reality check: China claims quantum advantage already. Even if true quantum is 10 years out, your sensitive data stolen TODAY will be readable THEN. Type 2: The Panickers "Rip everything out and replace it NOW!" This is how you break production systems and blow your budget. Type 3: The Prepared Starting with crypto inventories (mapping where vulnerable algorithms live), prioritizing high-value/long-lived data, testing PQC in non-critical systems first. Here's what smart CISOs are doing RIGHT NOW: Phase 1 (2025): Crypto inventory Map every system using public-key encryption. You can't protect what you can't see. Phase 2 (2025-2026): Risk assessment Which data needs protection beyond 2030? Start there. Phase 3 (2026-2027): Hybrid deployment Run PQC alongside classical crypto. Test, validate, don't break things. Phase 4 (2027-2030): Full migration Replace vulnerable algorithms systematically. The controversial take I heard repeatedly: "Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) is overhyped for most enterprises." QKD uses quantum physics to create unbreakable keys—sounds amazing. One CISO told me: "We'd spend $10M on QKD to protect 0.01% of our data flows. Or spend $500K on PQC to protect 100%. Easy choice." The harvest is happening now. The decrypt comes later. What's your organization doing about quantum security? P.S. — I put together a "Quantum Readiness Checklist" with the 7 steps every CISO should take in 2025. Drop "QUANTUM" and I'll send it.

Quantum computing is advancing rapidly, bringing unprecedented processing power that threatens traditional encryption methods. The "collect now, decrypt later" strategy underscores the urgency of preparation, adversaries are already harvesting encrypted data with the intent to decrypt it once large-scale quantum computers become viable. Fortinet is leading the way in quantum-safe security, integrating NIST PQC algorithms, including CRYSTALS-KYBER, into FortiOS to safeguard data from future quantum-based attacks. "A recent real-world demonstration by JPMorgan Chase (JPMC) showcased quantum-safe high-speed 100 Gbps site-to-site IPsec tunnels secured using QKD. The test was conducted between two JPMC data centers in Singapore, covering over 46 km of telecom fiber, and achieved 45 days of continuous operation." "The network leveraged QKD vendor ID Quantique for the quantum key exchange, Fortinet’s FortiGate 4201F for network encryption, and FortiTester for performance measurement." This is not just a theoretical concern, organizations are already deploying quantum-safe encryption solutions. As quantum computing capabilities advance, organizations must adopt quantum-resistant security architectures and take proactive steps now to safeguard their sensitive information against future quantum-enabled attacks. These proactive methods include: -adopting hybrid cryptographic approaches, combining classical and PQC algorithms, ensuring interoperability and a phased transition -implementing crypto-agile architectures, for seamless updates to encryption mechanisms as new quantum-resistant standards emerge -leveraging PQC capable HSMs and TPMs -evaluating network security architectures, such as ZTNA models -ensuring authentication and access controls are resistant to quantum threats. -identifying mission-critical and long-lived data, that must remain secure for decades. -implementing sensitivity-based classification, determine which datasets require the highest level of post-quantum protection. -conducting risk assessments to evaluate data exposure, storage locations, and current encryption standards. -transitioning to quantum-resistant encryption algorithms recommended by NIST’s PQC standardization efforts. -establishing data-at-rest and data-in-transit encryption policies, mandate use of PQC algorithms as they become available. -strengthening key management practices -developing GRC frameworks ensuring adherence to post-quantum security. -implementing continuous cryptographic monitoring to detect and phase out vulnerable encryption methods. -enforcing regulatory compliance by aligning with emerging PQC standards. -establishing incident response plans to handle quantum-driven cryptographic threats proactively. Fortinet remains committed to pioneering quantum-safe encryption solutions, enabling organizations to stay ahead of emerging cryptographic threats. Read more from Dr. Carl Windsor, Fortinet’s CISO!