A post-quantum world would spell a cybersecurity disaster for unprepared organisations. It is a future where powerful quantum computers could break current encryption methods, resulting in sensitive data such as government secrets, medical records, and financial information being severely compromised.
The solution is to use new quantum safe algorithms, known as Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC), but migrating masses of confidential data is complex so must start as soon as possible. That’s why the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) recently issued new guidelines for quantum migration, setting the first deadline three years from now, in 2028.
Forward-thinking organisations are already preparing for ‘Q-Day’ and our dedicated PQC team is on hand with practical tools and approaches to help companies, large and small, achieve a successful migration.
Cryptography vulnerabilities to quantum computers
Cryptography provides the tools and techniques to secure communications and data from adversaries. It is pervasive across all digital systems and networks, impacting virtually every IT system and many operational technology systems. It enables security measures such as data encryption, authentication through digital signatures and safeguarding private communication networks.
While existing cryptographic techniques are considered secure against current classical computing, quantum computers make them vulnerable to being broken. NCSC, the UK’s technical authority for cybersecurity, believes the best mitigation for the quantum threat is PQC. In the US a set of standardised cryptography algorithms designed to withstand a quantum computer attack has been released by the National Institute of Standards and Technology and endorsed by NCSC.
To help with the migration to these new algorithms, the NCSC has produced new guidance, encouraging organisations to migrate to post-quantum cryptography from 2028, high priority systems to be migrated by 2031 with complete migration by 2035.
How Frazer-Nash can help
Equipped with PhDs and primary research experience in post quantum cryptography and quantum computing teamed with expertise in digital infrastructure, our PQC team has deep knowledge in cryptographic techniques. The team will help your organisation prepare for PQC migration by conducting impact assessments to identify all relevant implementations of cryptography in your estate. Their cryptographic agility tool visualises your cryptographic assets and their dependencies to assess the migration that works best for you and your business.
It’s a tailored approach to help organisations protect against the emerging threat from future quantum computers.
Get in touch with the PQC team to find out more >>Contact us | Frazer-Nash Consultancy
