(Forbes.com/ForbesTechCouncil) Dan Timpson, a Forbes Technology Council Member and DigiCert’s Chief Technology Officer, writes and explains that now is time to start thinking about the impact of quantum computing is now so we can protect today’s innovations well into the future.
Timpson explains the Transition to post-quantum computing is underway. It’s predicted that 20% of all organizations will begin budgeting for quantum computing projects by 2023. The potential security issues associated with quantum computing have motivated enterprises to begin preparing for its arrival.
DigiCert’s survey indicates that one-third of organizations have a post-quantum cryptography (PQC) budget, while another 56% are working on establishing a PQC budget. Though it’s unclear what they might be using this budget for, most indicated that they are looking to learn more about what to do, so they are not caught off guard when threats emerge.
The thought of a wholesale replacement of current encryption algorithms is likely daunting for many organizations. The first step toward developing a strategy is to work to build a complete inventory of all the use cases for cryptography in your organization. Having an explicit inventory then allows you to go out and contact vendors about their plans and strategies for the post-quantum era that lies on the horizon, and see how they match up.
As a group becomes more aware of potential risks, it’s possible to take steps to develop a more comprehensive strategy and a path to move forward, with crypto-agility and good crypto management practices at the forefront.
Like any transformative technology, commercial quantum computing will be accompanied by plenty of risks. With a proactive approach and a strategic outlook, you can help ensure that your organization’s security posture will keep pace with the changes to come.