Preparing Hosting Companies for Quantum Computing

This image is from an Amazon Braket slide deck that just did the rounds of all the Deep Tech conferences I've been at recently (this one from Eric Kessler). It's more profound than it might seem. As technical leaders, we're constantly evaluating how emerging technologies will reshape our computational strategies. Quantum computing is prominent in these discussions, but clarity on its practical integration is... emerging. It's becoming clear however that the path forward isn't about quantum versus classical, but how quantum and classical work together. This will be a core theme for the year ahead. As someone now on the implementation partner side of this work, and getting the chance to work on specific implementations of quantum-classical hybrid workloads, I think of it this way: Quantum Processing Units (QPUs) are specialised engines capable of tackling calculations that are currently intractable for even the largest supercomputers. That's the "quantum 101" explanation you've heard over and over. However, missing from that usual story, is that they require significant classical infrastructure for: - Control and calibration - Data preparation and readout - Error mitigation and correction frameworks - Executing the parts of algorithms not suited for quantum speedup Therefore, the near-to-medium term future involves integrating QPUs as accelerators within a broader classical computing environment. Much like GPUs accelerate specific AI/graphics tasks alongside CPUs, QPUs are a promising resource to accelerate specific quantum-suited operations within larger applications. What does this mean for technical decision-makers? Focus on Integration: Strategic planning should center on identifying how and where quantum capabilities can be integrated into existing or future HPC workflows, not on replacing them entirely. Identify Target Problems: The key is pinpointing high-value business or research problems where the unique capabilities of quantum computation could provide a substantial advantage. Prepare for Hybrid Architectures: Consider architectures and software platforms designed explicitly to manage these complex hybrid workflows efficiently. PS: Some companies like Quantum Brilliance are focused on this space from the hardware side from the outset, working with Pawsey Supercomputing Research Centre and Oak Ridge National Laboratory. On the software side there's the likes of Q-CTRL, Classiq Technologies, Haiqu and Strangeworks all tackling the challenge of managing actual workloads (with different levels of abstraction). Speaking to these teams will give you a good feel for topic and approaches. Get to it. #QuantumComputing #HybridComputing #HPC

Quantum readiness is less about sudden disruption and more about cultivating skills, forging collaborations, and aligning strategies with evolving standards, so that businesses can gradually integrate these technologies into their long-term transformation paths. We should see quantum computing as a journey that requires methodical preparation. Finance, logistics, chemistry, and cybersecurity are already experimenting with hybrid models that combine classical and quantum systems. These early steps show that the transition will not happen overnight, but through structured phases of learning and integration. The priority for leaders is to identify processes where quantum can create measurable improvements. This means feasibility studies, pilots, and a roadmap that integrates quantum into IT environments in a sustainable way. At the same time, teams need training in principles, tools, and algorithms, because without this foundation, the technology remains an abstract concept. Collaboration is another essential layer. Partnerships with research hubs, vendors, and cloud providers open access to quantum resources that would otherwise remain out of reach. Alongside this, governance and security must advance with post-quantum standards, ensuring compliance and ethics are never secondary. The real challenge is continuous adaptation. Regulations and technologies will evolve, and strategies must remain flexible. This long-term perspective will define the organizations that are prepared to grow with the next wave of innovation. #QuantumComputing #DigitalTransformation #FutureOfWork

The imperative to prepare for the transition to quantum-safe cryptography doesn't necessarily mean an immediate switch. Consider these two critical aspects: ☝ Complexity of Cryptographic Algorithm Transition: Transitioning cryptographic algorithms is a complex undertaking. A quick examination within your organization or with your service providers may reveal the use of obsolete algorithms like SHA-1 or TDEA. For example, the payment card industry still employs TDEA, despite its obsolescence was announced in 2019. It's essential to enhance your organization's cryptography management capabilities before embarking on the transition to quantum-safe cryptography. ✌ Scrutiny Required for New PQC Algorithms: The new Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC) algorithms are relatively recent and warrant careful examination. Historically, we have deployed cryptographic algorithms on a production scale only after several years of existence, allowing comprehensive scrutiny. While PQC standardization offers some security assurances, it doesn't cover the software implementations deployed in your environment. Consider employing phased deployments and hybrid implementations to avoid compromising the existing security provided by classical cryptography. Recent news, as mentioned in this article, highlights the immaturity of implementations of new PQC algorithms. While the title might be somewhat misleading, it's crucial to recognize that occasional flaws in implementations, like those found (and solved) in various instances of Kyber, serve as reminders. As we transition to these new implementations, we must first gain control over our cryptography. Here's a suggested action plan: 🚩 Cryptography Management: Prioritize gaining control over your cryptography. 🚩 Understanding Quantum-Safe Cryptography: Familiarize yourself with the development of quantum-safe cryptography. 🚩 Transition Plan Preparation: Follow recommendations to prepare a comprehensive transition plan. Some of my favourite resources are: - Federal Office for Information Security (BSI)'s "Quantum-safe cryptography" (https://lnkd.in/dqkSAQSP) - Government of Canada CFDIR's "BEST PRACTICES AND GUIDELINES" (https://lnkd.in/d-w_Nbfj) - National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)'s "Migration to Post-Quantum Cryptography" (https://lnkd.in/dYMKnqBb) 🚩 Decision-Making: Make informed decisions based on the acquired knowledge. In summary, a thoughtful and phased approach is key to ensuring a smooth transition to quantum-safe cryptography. https://lnkd.in/dxAgF2ac #cryptography #quantumcomputing #security #pqc #cybersecurity

Today we introduced a new reference architecture for quantum-centric supercomputing, outlining how quantum processing can be integrated directly alongside modern high-performance computing systems. With our partners, we are now seeing hybrid quantum-classical workflows reaching parity with leading classical methods on real problems. Preparing for this quantum-classical future means building infrastructure where quantum resources plug naturally into existing HPC environments, not as bolt-ons but as part of a unified, heterogeneous computing system. Our new architecture demonstrates how near-term integration can enable more seamless execution of hybrid workflows, while also establishing a forward-looking path for deeper co-design between quantum hardware, classical accelerators, and scientific applications as systems scale and new algorithms emerge. Read our blog and paper for more details. We invite collaborators across HPC, quantum computing, and system design to join us in shaping the standards, best practices, and use cases that will define the future of quantum-centric supercomputing. blog: https://lnkd.in/eNJqfwzX paper: https://lnkd.in/epv9XsQ7

🔑"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...

Deloitte’s Global Quantum Cyber Readiness News & Insights hub consolidates thought #leadership, frameworks, and practical guidance to help organizations prepare for the disruptive #cybersecurity implications of quantum computing. At its core, the content emphasizes that while #quantum technologies unlock transformative capabilities, they also pose a systemic threat to current cryptographic systems, making proactive preparation imperative. A central theme is “quantum #risk”—the likelihood that future quantum computers could break widely used encryption, exposing sensitive #data. Deloitte highlights that this risk is not theoretical; adversaries may already be harvesting encrypted data today for future decryption (“harvest now, decrypt later”). The hub outlines a structured approach to readiness. Organizations are encouraged to begin with cryptographic discovery and inventory, identifying where #encryption is used and assessing vulnerabilities. This is followed by developing a migration roadmap toward post-quantum cryptography (PQC) and embedding crypto-agility, enabling systems to adapt quickly as standards evolve. Deloitte also stresses the importance of #governance and enterprise-wide #transformation. Quantum readiness is not solely a technical issue; it requires leadership awareness, cross-functional coordination, regulatory alignment, and continuous monitoring of emerging standards (e.g., National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) A key contribution is the Quantum Readiness Toolkit, developed with the World Economic Forum, which provides guiding principles and actionable steps. These include integrating quantum risk into enterprise risk management, educating stakeholders, prioritizing investments, and collaborating across ecosystems to address systemic vulnerabilities. Deloitte frames quantum cyber readiness as a strategic imperative. Early adopters can enhance #trust, #resilience, and market positioning, while delayed action increases exposure to significant operational, financial, and reputational risks in the emerging quantum era.

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

Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC): Why We Must Prepare Before Quantum Computers Arrive What exactly is PQC? Is it a tool? An attack? A new policy? Let’s make it clear. PQC (Post-Quantum Cryptography) is not a product or software you install. It’s a new generation of cryptographic algorithms designed to protect our data from the power of future quantum computers. Every secure connection we make today from online banking to VPNs relies on mathematical problems like RSA or Elliptic Curve Cryptography (ECC). These are strong today because even the world’s fastest supercomputer would take years to break a 2048-bit RSA key. But a quantum computer doesn’t work like a traditional one. It doesn’t calculate with just 1s and 0s. Instead, it uses qubits capable of existing in multiple states at once. This means quantum computers can process massive parallel calculations that our current machines can’t. That’s where the concern begins. Algorithms like RSA and ECC can be broken in hours or days using quantum algorithms such as Shor’s algorithm. I give you example, imagine your bank’s SSL certificate that secures online transactions today. It uses RSA-2048. If a threat actor records that encrypted traffic today and in a few years gets access to a quantum computer they could decrypt that communication easily. This is called “Harvest Now, Decrypt Later”. It means attackers can steal your encrypted data now, store it and decrypt it in the future once they have quantum power. For organisations like banks, government agencies or healthcare providers this is a huge risk. Sensitive data must remain confidential for decades. So what is PQC really? PQC is the next wave of encryption standards that are resistant to quantum attacks. Instead of relying on problems like factorisation, PQC algorithms use lattice-based, code-based or hash-based methods that even a quantum computer can’t easily solve. In fact, NIST has already announced its first three official PQC standards this year a sign that the transition is already happening globally. Quantum computing will change everything. It’s not about fear it’s about readiness. PQC is our way of ensuring that even when quantum arrives, our communications, banking, healthcare and national data remain protected. The future of cybersecurity will not just be about detecting attacks, but about securing cryptography before it becomes breakable.

Cloud Quantum Computing: Strategic Shift From Experiment to Enterprise Preparation Introduction Quantum computing is moving beyond research labs into cloud platforms, enabling enterprises to experiment without owning specialized hardware. This shift is reframing quantum technology as a strategic readiness investment rather than a distant scientific curiosity. Democratization Through Cloud Access Lowering Capital Barriers • Traditional quantum systems require extreme cooling, shielding, and multimillion-dollar infrastructure. • Cloud access allows pay-as-you-go experimentation. • Enterprises can validate use cases before committing to large-scale investment. Hybrid Reality • Current devices are Noisy Intermediate-Scale Quantum systems with limited qubits and high error rates. • Hybrid models combine classical preprocessing with quantum computation. • Cloud platforms integrate quantum workflows into existing enterprise systems. Competitive Provider Landscape Platform Approaches • IBM emphasizes hybrid enterprise integration and broad network access. • Amazon Braket offers hardware-agnostic access across multiple architectures. • Microsoft focuses on long-term qubit stability while enabling partner hardware access. • Vendors are building ecosystems of SDKs, programming tools, and developer communities. Emerging Enterprise Use Cases • Financial firms are testing quantum algorithms for pricing and portfolio optimization. • Pharmaceutical and materials companies are exploring molecular simulation. • Logistics operators are evaluating optimization gains in supply chains. • Organizations are preparing for post-quantum cybersecurity threats. Strategic Implications • Venture and government investment in quantum technologies is accelerating. • Talent shortages are driving education and training initiatives. • Timelines for fault-tolerant quantum systems remain uncertain. • Early engagement builds institutional knowledge and competitive positioning. Conclusion: Readiness Over Hype Cloud-based quantum computing allows companies to prepare today for tomorrow’s computational breakthroughs. While practical advantages remain limited, strategic experimentation positions organizations to capitalize when scalable, fault-tolerant systems emerge. The competitive edge may belong not to the first to deploy quantum at scale—but to those who build quantum literacy early. I share daily insights with tens of thousands of followers across defense, tech, and policy. If this topic resonates, I invite you to connect and continue the conversation. Keith King https://lnkd.in/gHPvUttw

The era of quantum computing is closer than we think, and it’s going to change the foundations of digital security. NIST’s recent draft publication, NIST IR 8547 (link in 1st comment), outlines critical steps organizations must take to transition to post-quantum cryptography (PQC). Why This Matters Now ⏩ Quantum computers will eventually break traditional encryption algorithms like RSA and ECC. While secure today, these systems won’t be once quantum systems mature. NIST’s Post-Quantum Standards ⏩ NIST has selected algorithms like CRYSTALS-Kyber (for key establishment) and CRYSTALS-Dilithium (for digital signatures) to lead the transition. What Organizations Should Do ⏩ Inventory Cryptography: Assess where and how cryptographic algorithms are used. ⏩ Test PQC Algorithms: Experiment with hybrid solutions combining classical and quantum-safe algorithms. ⏩ Engage with Vendors: Ensure tech partners are preparing for PQC compatibility. Challenges Ahead ⏩ Performance trade-offs: Some PQC algorithms require more computational resources. ⏩ Interoperability: Integrating new cryptographic methods into legacy systems isn’t trivial. ⏩ Timeline pressure: The longer you delay, the harder it will be to catch up. The message is clear: preparation can’t wait. The organizations that start now will be in a much better position when the quantum era fully arrives.