The Quantum Threat To Cybersecurity Is Closer Than You Think

In cybersecurity, few threats are as paradoxical and pressing as the ones posed by quantum computing. Quantum computers differ fundamentally from today’s classical machines—a distinction that gives them the power to revolutionize entire industries, while simultaneously posing a critical threat to digital security. 

Instead of using bits that represent either a 0 or a 1, quantum computers use qubits, which can represent multiple states at once. This gives them the ability, in theory, to solve certain complex problems much faster than conventional computers. As quantum computers edge closer to maturity, they are expected to break the encryption that underpins today’s internet, financial systems, and secure communications.  

The countdown has already begun. 

While quantum computers capable of breaking today’s encryption standards are still in development, cyber criminals are already active. They are launching so-called “Harvest Now, Decrypt Later” (HNDL) attacks where they collect encrypted data today with the aim of breaking it in the future once quantum capabilities mature.  

From intellectual property and customer records to strategic communications and classified documents, vast amounts of sensitive information are now at risk of retroactive exposure. 

Businesses Can’t Afford To Wait 

The encryption systems most widely used today, such as the Rivest–Shamir–Adleman (RSA) algorithm and elliptic curve cryptography (ECC), are based on mathematical problems that are difficult for classical computers to solve quickly. These problems form the basis of digital security. 

Quantum computers, however, would be able to solve these problems much faster by using entirely different methods. One well-known quantum algorithm, Shor’s algorithm, uses quantum principles to find the factors of large numbers incredibly efficiently, something that could take even the best computers thousands of years. 

While Shor’s algorithm is proven and well understood, the quantum computers needed to run it at scale are still under development. Today’s machines aren’t yet powerful enough to break real-world encryption, but progress is accelerating, and the underlying risk is no longer theoretical. 

This is why post-quantum cryptography (PQC) has become essential. PQC refers to a new class of encryption algorithms designed to withstand both classical and quantum attacks, including ones like Shor’s. 

Unlike traditional systems, these algorithms are built to stay secure even when quantum machines become powerful enough to break current standards. In short, PQC is the upgrade our digital world needs to stay protected in a quantum future. 

Recent advances from major organizations such as IBM, Amazon, Microsoft, and Google have significantly shortened timelines for quantum readiness.  

This technological acceleration should serve as a wake-up call for business leaders, because post-quantum security is no longer a theoretical concern. It has become a strategic imperative, particularly for businesses. 

Transitioning to PQC isn’t a simple upgrade. It must be a systemic transformation. Migrating to quantum-safe encryption involves retooling hardware, software, protocols and operational workflows, many of which are deeply embedded in enterprise systems. 

This complexity means that PQC migration has a long lead time. 

This transition requires engagement beyond the IT department. It’s a company-wide responsibility and a boardroom issue, because the threat of quantum-enabled breaches carries profound implications for corporate reputation, shareholder confidence, regulatory compliance, and even geopolitical risk.  

A Complex Transition 

Despite growing awareness, businesses face significant barriers to adoption. 

There’s confusion over evolving standards, integration challenges with legacy systems, and uncertainty around interoperability across markets and jurisdictions. 

Encouragingly, the U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), which develops cybersecurity standards, has finalized its selection of quantum-safe algorithms, providing much-needed clarity.  

Hybrid cryptographic models, which combine classical and quantum-resistant encryption, are emerging as a favored approach to ease the transition while maintaining compatibility. 

Yet, frameworks alone aren’t enough. Companies need practical support, testable libraries, and expert guidance to begin the migration in earnest. 

As national strategies take shape, businesses cannot afford to be passive observers.  

This is where cross-sector collaboration becomes essential. Research institutes, policymakers, and industry must work together to provide scalable, interoperable solutions that don’t compromise business continuity. 

Some institutions are already offering sovereign cryptographic tools and testing environments to help organizations begin migrating without disrupting core operations.  

What Leaders Can Do Today 

Cybersecurity will define trust in the digital economy for decades to come. The key question for business leaders is whether they’ll be ready in time. 

Business leaders can already be proactive today to jumpstart the transition. They can take inventory by auditing their organization’s cryptographic assets and understanding where vulnerable encryption stands. 

Businesses can invest in pilots and explore hybrid solutions as well as sandbox environments to test quantum-safe alternatives in non-critical operations. Finally, they can monitor regulations such as the UAE’s Cryptographic Executive Regulation to stay aligned with emerging standards. 

Preparing for quantum computing is ultimately a matter of responsible planning. 

While the timeline remains uncertain, the direction is clear. By assessing cryptographic dependencies today and engaging with emerging standards and solutions, businesses can ensure a smooth transition without disruption. 

It’s about building resilience gradually before change becomes urgent. 

About The Author

 

Dr. Víctor Mateu is the Chief Researcher of the Cryptography Research Center at the Technology Innovation Institute, a leading global scientific research center and the applied research pillar of Abu Dhabi’s Advanced Technology Research Council (ATRC).