A FUTURE PROBLEM OR A PRESENT REALITY?
Quantum computing is often positioned as a future breakthrough. A powerful, transformative technology that will one day change industries, economies, and scientific discovery. But in cybersecurity, the conversation is very different. The risk associated with quantum computing is not confined to the future. It is already influencing how organisations must think about protecting their data today. This is where confusion begins. Many assume that quantum security only becomes relevant once quantum computers are widely available. In reality, the opposite is true. By the time quantum computing reaches maturity, it may already be too late to protect certain types of data. Understanding this distinction is critical. As Jen Easterly – Director of the US Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency puts it:
“The transition to post-quantum cryptography is not a future problem. It is a now problem.”
This blog aims to simplify two complex ideas, quantum computing and quantum security, and explain why organisations must act now, not later.
WHAT IS QUANTUM COMPUTING? A SIMPLE EXPLANATION
Traditional computers process information using bits, which exist in one of two states, 0 or 1. Quantum computers use qubits, which can exist in multiple states simultaneously. This property, known as superposition, allows quantum systems to process vast combinations of possibilities simultaneously. Without going into technical depth, the result is this:
Quantum computers can solve certain types of problems far more efficiently than classical computers.
These include:
- Complex mathematical calculations
- Large-scale optimisation problems
- Pattern recognition across massive datasets
This is why quantum computing is expected to have a major impact on sectors such as finance, healthcare, and logistics. However, one of its most significant consequences lies in encryption. Modern cybersecurity relies heavily on cryptographic algorithms that are considered secure because they are computationally difficult to break. Classical computers would take thousands of years to crack them. Quantum computers are expected to change that equation. As outlined by the National Cyber Security Centre, future quantum capabilities could render many widely used encryption methods ineffective.
WHAT IS QUANTUM SECURITY? THE DEFENCE STRATEGY
Quantum security, also known as quantum-safe or post-quantum security, refers to the measures taken to protect data against the risks posed by quantum computing. Importantly, it does not depend on owning or using a quantum computer. Instead, it focuses on strengthening current systems so they remain secure in a future where quantum attacks are possible. This includes:
- Developing new cryptographic algorithms that quantum computers cannot easily break
- Replacing or upgrading existing encryption methods
- Ensuring long-term protection of sensitive data
Organisations like Cloudflare have made this point clear. Preparation for quantum threats can and should begin using today’s infrastructure. Quantum security is not about adopting futuristic technology. It is about future-proofing existing security foundations.
THE REAL THREAT: HARVEST NOW, DECRYPT LATER
To understand why quantum security matters today, it is essential to understand a concept known as harvest now, decrypt later. This strategy is already being used by sophisticated threat actors. The approach is simple:
- Intercept encrypted data today
- Store it for future use
- Decrypt it once quantum computing becomes capable
This means that even if your data is secure today, it may not remain secure in the future. The risk is particularly high for data with long-term sensitivity, including:
- Intellectual property and trade secrets
- Financial and transactional records
- Government and defence communications
- Personal and healthcare data
For organisations handling such information, the threat is not hypothetical. It is already unfolding. As Michele Mosca – renowned quantum cryptography expert and co-founder of the Institute for Quantum Computing points out:
“Any information that needs to remain secure for more than 10 years is already at risk today.”
WHY WAITING IS A STRATEGIC MISTAKE
One of the biggest challenges in quantum security is perception. Because large-scale quantum computers are not yet mainstream, many organisations believe they have time. This assumption can lead to delayed action and increased exposure. The reality is that transitioning to quantum-safe security is not immediate. It requires:
- Mapping where cryptography is used across systems
- Understanding dependencies across applications and infrastructure
- Replacing or upgrading legacy encryption
- Testing for compatibility and performance
- Aligning with evolving regulatory guidance
Guidance from the National Cyber Security Centre emphasises that preparation should begin now due to the scale and complexity of the transition. Delaying action creates a gap between risk and readiness.
QUANTUM COMPUTING VS QUANTUM SECURITY: CLEARING THE CONFUSION
A common misunderstanding is that quantum computing and quantum security are part of the same adoption timeline. They are not.
Quantum computing is the source of disruption.
Quantum security is the response to that disruption.
Organisations do not need to wait for quantum computers to become commercially viable before acting. In fact, waiting increases risk. Forward-looking organisations are already:
- Assessing their exposure to cryptographic vulnerabilities
- Testing quantum-resistant algorithms
- Building long-term security roadmaps
This shift reflects a broader trend in cybersecurity, moving from reactive defence to proactive resilience.
THE BROADER IMPACT ON CYBERSECURITY
Quantum computing does not just introduce a new type of risk. It challenges the fundamental assumptions of modern security. Today’s systems are built on the belief that certain problems are too difficult to solve within a reasonable timeframe. Quantum computing changes that assumption. This has implications for:
- Data confidentiality
- Secure communications
- Digital identity and authentication
- Regulatory compliance
Bruce Schneier, a globally recognised cybersecurity expert, author, and thought leader on security and cryptography points out:
“Attacks always get better. They never get worse”.
Organisations such as Palo Alto Networks and Fortinet highlight that quantum threats will require a complete rethink of how encryption is implemented and managed. This is not a minor upgrade. It is a foundational shift.
BUILDING QUANTUM READINESS: A PRACTICAL APPROACH
Preparing for quantum security does not require immediate, large-scale transformation. It requires a structured and informed approach. Key steps include:
- UNDERSTANDING YOUR CURRENT STATE – Identify where encryption is used and which systems rely on vulnerable algorithms.
- PRIORITISING CRITICAL DATA – Focus on information that must remain secure over long periods.
- MONITORING INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENTS – Stay aligned with emerging standards and recommendations.
- BEGINNING TRANSITION PLANNING – Develop a roadmap for adopting quantum-resistant solutions.
Organisations like Orange emphasise that preparation is a gradual process, but one that must start early to be effective.
THE HUMAN DIMENSION: LEADERSHIP AND AWARENESS
Technology alone will not solve the quantum security challenge. Awareness at the leadership level is essential. Decision-makers must recognise that:
- The risk timeline is longer than typical cybersecurity threats
- The impact extends beyond IT into business operations and reputation
- Early preparation provides a strategic advantage
Quantum security is not just a technical issue. It is a matter of organisational resilience and trust.
ACTING BEFORE THE BREAKPOINT
As Whitfield Diffie, Cryptography pioneer and co-inventor of public-key encryption, highlights:
“The future of cryptography is about anticipating attacks before they are practical”.
Quantum computing will unlock new possibilities across industries. It will accelerate innovation and redefine what technology can achieve. But it will also expose the limitations of current security models. The key takeaway is clear. You do not need a quantum computer to be vulnerable to quantum threats. The risk already exists through data being collected today and decrypted in the future. Organisations that act early will not only protect their data but also position themselves as trusted, forward-thinking leaders in a rapidly evolving landscape. Because in the quantum era, the question is not when disruption will happen. It is whether you prepared for it before it did.
Do you have any questions about security and data protection in a post-quantum era? Reach out to us today and we’ll help to answer your questions.
