Quantum Safe Encryption

Quantum Computing and the Need for Quantum Safe Encryption

Quantum computing is transitioning from theoretical research to practical applications, offering unprecedented computational power. While this advancement promises transformative potential across industries, it poses significant challenges to current data security. The urgency to adopt quantum-resistant cryptographic standards grows as quantum computers capable of breaking traditional encryption methods emerge.

The Impending Quantum Threat to Data Security

Traditional encryption methods, such as RSA and ECC, use computational difficulty to solve problems like prime factorization and discrete logarithms. Quantum computers, leveraging principles of quantum mechanics, can solve these problems exponentially faster using algorithms like Shor’s. Experts are warning quantum computers could emerge at any moment driving the need for a strategic plan.

Proactive Measures for Organizations: Prepare Today for Tomorrow

The transition to quantum-safe encryption is complex and resource-intensive. PKWARE’s solution, PK Protect, is at the forefront of quantum readiness, empowering organizations to seamlessly transition to quantum-safe encryption. As the industry leader for almost 40 years, in encryption at rest and in transit, PK Protect will offer a quantum safe encryption solution in 2025 keeping our solutions at the forefront of protection.

PKWARE’s Quantum Readiness Checklist:

Assess Vulnerabilities: Identify systems and data susceptible to quantum attacks and hot spots of encrypted files.
Reduce Risk Footprint: Remediate existing encrypted files by strengthening their encryption, quarantining them, or deleting them.
Collaborate with Experts: Engage with PKWARE’s quantum encryption specialists to ensure a smooth transition.

PKWARE’s solution, such as PK Protect, leverages strong symmetric encryption while preparing organizations for post-quantum standards. Early adoption protects sensitive information and demonstrates leadership in cutting-edge security practices.

Download your PII & PCI Data Security Checklist

Industry Perspectives and Future Outlook

The rapid progress in quantum computing highlights the need for immediate action. For example:

Microsoft has made strides in topological qubits with its Majorana-based approach, though practical applications remain under development.

Surveys reveal that nearly 60% of Canadian corporations and 78% of U.S. corporations expect quantum computing to be mainstream by 2030.

Despite growing awareness, many organizations lack actionable plans. Both public and private sectors must collaborate to raise awareness, develop quantum-resistant solutions, and implement them proactively.

What Customers Have to Say About PK Protect

“Data privacy is going to continue to be important. And given that we operate at a global scale, we have to stay on top of that. This is why we are making investments in technology and working with partners like PKWARE.”

Harveer Singh, Chief Data Architect & Global Head of Data, Western Union

NIST’s Role in Establishing Quantum-Safe Encryption Standards

In August 2024, the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) finalized three post-quantum cryptography standards to address the vulnerabilities posed by quantum computing to current encryption systems. These standards, developed after years of rigorous evaluation, are designed to secure digital communications, protect sensitive data, and ensure long-term cryptographic resilience.

ML-KEM (formerly CRYSTALS-Kyber) for General Encryption

ML-KEM is a key encapsulation mechanism that enables secure key establishment over public networks. It is efficient, easy to implement, and well-suited for general encryption needs, making it a critical tool for securing communications against quantum threats.

ML-DSA (formerly CRYSTALS-Dilithium) for Digital Signatures

ML-DSA provides robust digital signatures for authentication and data integrity. It offers fast key generation, signing, and verification while maintaining strong quantum resistance through its lattice-based design.

SLH-DSA (formerly SPHINCS+) for Digital Signatures

SLH-DSA is a stateless hash-based digital signature algorithm designed for long-term security. It is particularly suited for hardware applications where updates are challenging, offering enhanced resilience against quantum attacks.

These standards provide a roadmap for transitioning to quantum-resistant cryptography, ensuring the security of critical systems against future quantum threats. NIST has emphasized the importance of early adoption to mitigate risks such as “harvest now, decrypt later” attacks. This proactive effort will help organizations future-proof their systems as quantum computing capabilities evolve.