The Quantum Computing Revolution
Quantum computing is advancing rapidly, with big players like IBM, Google, and even nation-states investing heavily in its development. While current quantum computers cannot yet crack today’s encryption, the advent of a cryptographically relevant quantum computer (CRQC) is no longer a distant possibility. With significant resources fueling this technological progress, the quantum era is likely closer than you think.
This progress has introduced a critical security concern: the quantum threat.
Why Does the Quantum Threat Matter?
A CRQC has the potential to decrypt advanced encryption algorithms in mere minutes. This would render all modern digital communication vulnerable—an existential risk for public and private organizations worldwide. While CRQCs aren’t here yet, the time to act is now. Data harvested today can be decrypted tomorrow when quantum computers mature.
“Regardless of whether we can estimate the exact time of the arrival of the quantum computing era, we must begin now to prepare our information security systems to be able to resist quantum computing.”
— National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)
The question is: How can your organization prepare for the quantum future?
How to Achieve Quantum-Safe Security
1. The Biggest Risk: “Harvest Now, Decrypt Later”
Cybercriminals are already exploiting this quantum threat. They harvest sensitive data today, intending to decrypt it once quantum technology becomes available.
What types of data are at risk?
- Financial information: Account details, credit card numbers, payment systems
- Government data: National secrets, diplomatic communications
- Personal and medical records: IDs, health records, confidential personal data
The consequences of a data breach include financial losses, reputational damage, and erosion of trust among customers and stakeholders. This looming threat is why proactive preparation is essential.
2. Quantum-Safe Cryptography (QSC) to the Rescue
The good news is that quantum-safe cryptography (QSC) already exists. Unlike today’s algorithms, QSC is designed to withstand the immense computational power of quantum computers.
Current encryption protocols will inevitably fail against CRQCs. Quantum-safe algorithms, however, offer the robust defense you need to secure your data now and in the future.
3. Protecting Classic Systems and Data with QSC
A common misconception is that quantum-safe security applies only to quantum computers. In reality, QSC solutions are designed to protect the systems and data you use today—your classic IT infrastructure.
By implementing QSC now, you safeguard your existing assets against quantum-driven threats.
4. Transitioning to Quantum-Safe Communications
Migrating to quantum-safe encryption doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Start by identifying your most critical connections and upgrading their encryption. This process can be surprisingly straightforward and cost-effective.
Organizations can secure their long-term secrets inside quantum-safe tunnels. Even if this data is harvested, it will remain protected—even in a future where CRQCs exist.
5. Quantum-Safe Tunnels: Secure Any Data
Today, digital communication relies on protocols like SSH, RDP, TLS, and HTTPS. Upgrading each protocol to quantum-safe versions will take time. However, quantum-safe Secure Shell (SSH) tunnels can offer an immediate solution.
By wrapping your communication inside a quantum-safe SSH tunnel, any type of data—no matter the protocol—is protected in transit. This ensures that even your most sensitive communications remain secure.
6. Hybrid Solutions: A Fail-Safe Approach
No single solution is perfect—not even quantum-safe algorithms. The safest approach is a hybrid model, which combines existing encryption methods with quantum-safe algorithms. This ensures redundancy and protects your data during the transition.
- Current encryption algorithms protect your data now
- Quantum-safe algorithms future-proof your data for the quantum era
With this fail-safe model, you gain a comprehensive defense against current and future threats.
7. Time Is of the Essence
Even though fully functional CRQCs do not yet exist, the clock is ticking.
As NIST warns:
“It has taken almost two decades to deploy our modern public key cryptography infrastructure. […] We must begin now to prepare our information security systems to resist quantum computing.”
Large-scale migration to quantum-safe cryptography is a gradual process. The longer organizations wait, the greater the risk.
US Government Action: The Quantum Computing Cybersecurity Preparedness Act highlights the urgency:
“Adversaries could steal sensitive encrypted data today […] and wait until sufficiently powerful quantum systems are available to decrypt it.”
8. Trusted Recommendations from Global Authorities
Leading cybersecurity authorities, including:
- NIST (National Institute of Standards and Technology)
- ETSI (European Telecommunications Standards Institute)
- NCSC (National Cyber Security Centre)
- NATO
are urging organizations to address the quantum threat now. The US Government, for instance, requires federal agencies to present a quantum-resilient security plan.
Meanwhile, countries like Germany (BSI) and France (ANSSI) are testing and standardizing quantum-safe algorithms. NIST has already approved the CRYSTALS-Kyber algorithm, with more expected soon.
9. Your Path to Quantum-Safe Communications
Taking the first step is simple:
- Identify critical data and assets with long-term value
- Evaluate existing encryption methods and credentials (e.g., cryptographic keys)
- Upgrade connections to quantum-safe tunnels using a hybrid approach
Quantum-safe cryptography allows only authorized users with the proper keys and access rights to enter communications, securing your most valuable data now and in the future.
10. Partner with SSH Communications Security
At SSH Communications Security, we pioneered the Secure Shell (SSH) protocol—the backbone of secure communication across servers and applications. Millions of connections rely on SSH daily to protect sensitive data.
Building on this foundation, we deliver cutting-edge software and expertise to secure everything from UNIX-based systems to modern cloud-native environments like Kubernetes. We are at the forefront of quantum-safe solutions and among the first to deploy quantum-ready encryption, including CRYSTALS-Kyber.
Why Choose SSH Communications Security?
- Industry leaders in secure communications
- Proven expertise in large-scale migrations
- Ready-to-deploy quantum-safe solutions
Migrating to quantum-safe encryption is easier and more affordable than you might think. Our team of experts will guide you every step of the way, ensuring your organization stays ahead in the encryption game—now and in the quantum future.
About DT Asia
DT Asia began in 2007 with a clear mission to build the market entry for various pioneering IT security solutions from the US, Europe and Israel.
Today, DT Asia is a regional, value-added distributor of cybersecurity solutions providing cutting-edge technologies to key government organisations and top private sector clients including global banks and Fortune 500 companies. We have offices and partners around the Asia Pacific to better understand the markets and deliver localised solutions.
How we help
If you need to know more about SSH’s quantum computers, you’re in the right place, we’re here to help! DTA is SSH’s distributor, especially in Singapore and Asia, our technicians have deep experience on the product and relevant technologies you can always trust, we provide this product’s turnkey solutions, including consultation, deployment, and maintenance service.
Content retrieved from: https://dtasiagroup.com/your-data-is-at-risk-from-quantum-computers-right-now-heres-why/
