Is data truly safe when quantum computing threatens traditional encryption?

Some researchers say that practical, large-scale quantum computers capable of breaking current encryption methods are still a decade or more away. However, the rapid advancements in quantum technology, like Google’s recently launched Willow, demonstrate that huge investments are made to reach quantum breakthroughs. This technology will unlock unpresented computational capabilities, affecting every single industry — even those who are not prepared for it.

Despite growing awareness of the quantum threat, many businesses and organizations are underprepared for its potential impact and still rely on traditional encryption methods, which are vulnerable to future quantum decryption. Proactive steps are needed to avoid regulatory non-compliance, data breaches and massive headaches when quantum-readiness will be required.

Traditional and post-quantum cryptography

Post-quantum cryptography (PQC) refers to cryptographic algorithms that are designed to stay secure even against the mind-bending capabilities of quantum computing. Traditional cryptographic algorithms like RSA and ECC rely on mathematical problems that are impossible for classical computers to solve but can be exponentially quicker for quantum technology to solve. That’s why PQC is based on mathematical foundations and principles specifically chosen to withstand the computational power of quantum computers.

The goal is to develop cryptographic systems that are secure against both quantum and classical computers while remaining interoperable with existing communications protocols and networks. According to a recent report by Deloitte, the adoption of post-quantum cryptography standards — three initiatives in total — defined by The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) are the beginning to a critical transition period for businesses and organizations globally to start securing their data practices against quantum attacks.

“Harvest now, decrypt later”

Implementing PQC ensures that information remains protected against future quantum decryption attempts. This threat model involves capturing encrypted data now to decrypt it later when quantum technology becomes capable of breaking classical encryption. By adopting PQC early, businesses and organizations not only protect their current encrypted data but also ensure its safety in the long term. The choice of a company’s storage provider plays a huge role in this strategy, because providers that integrate quantum-resistant technologies and adhere to the latest security standards offer a significant advantage today as well as in the future.

For example, healthcare organizations handle vast amounts of sensitive data, including patient records, medical histories, and clinical trial results. If hackers intercept and store this encrypted data today, they could catastrophically exploit it once quantum decryption capabilities become a reality.

Regulations to test threat-resilience

In Europe, quantum computing advances emphasise the need for secure data storage solutions that can withstand future cryptographic challenges. Key frameworks such as GDPR and NIS-2 Directive require businesses and organizations to protect sensitive data and make sure their infrastructure is resilient enough against cyber threats, including quantum threats. European regulators are expected to mandate quantum-resistant encryption standards soon to safeguard critical industries, such as healthcare, finance, and energy.

Regulatory-compliant storage providers are crucial in avoiding potential legal and financial penalties in the future for SMBs that handle loads of sensitive data. Those who integrate quantum-resistant encryption protocols into their storage solutions ensure that the data is secure both at rest and in transit. By partnering with compliant storage providers who understand local and global regulatory frameworks, businesses and organizations can show commitment to these obligations while protecting their operations as well as a customer’s trust.

Prepare your infrastructure or…

Transitioning to PQC is a strategic move to ensure business continuity in an increasingly uncertain technological landscape. The shift requires a careful assessment of existing cryptographic systems to identify vulnerabilities to quantum attacks. Businesses and organizations need to evaluate their data storage and transmission protocols comprehensively to pinpoint where changes are or might be needed.

However, quantum-resistant encryption methods can create a larger demand for computational power, and this is why it is crucial for businesses and organizations to optimize their existing systems. Rising costs from complex encryption processes can quickly escalate with traditional cloud pricing models, particularly those with billing structures that offer (sometimes unexpected) surprises at the end of every cycle. Transitioning to providers that have a transparent, pay-as-you-go model, businesses and organizations can better control their expenses and ensure they are only paying for the resources they use and need. This approach is truly valuable for SMBs that need to scale their computational power dynamically in response to encryption demands.

…consider a cloud exit

The decision to pursue a cloud exit is not about abandoning cloud technology altogether but about finding a solution that better aligns with evolving security demands. A successful cloud exit begins with a comprehensive cost and performance audit of your current cloud environment and identifying inefficiencies like high egress fees, rising computational costs from quantum-resistant encryption, or underutilized resources. Using storage providers that fully focus on transparency, compliancy and scalability, businesses and organizations can transition to a solution that ensures efficiency and transparency in cost and high performance now and in the future.

A proactive strategy saves from headaches in the long run

As the clock continues to tick toward the quantum era, understanding the implications of quantum computing on data security requires businesses and organizations to act now rather than later. Post-quantum cryptography is a defensive measure as well as a proactive strategy for future-proofing data storage and the need to integrate PQC into the data storage strategy is now highly relevant. The speed of recent advancements shows that this year is pivotal in the global effort to secure data against potential quantum threats and selecting a storage provider that adheres to regulatory standards and offers cost-transparent, scalable, and quantum-ready solutions is a critical part of it.

Storage space, computing time. Light-years ahead.