Is your organization ready for post-quantum encryption? A strategic guide to future-proofing your data security

Every time you send an email, log into a bank account, or connect to a website, encryption protects your information. These tools have worked for decades, but quantum computing is changing the equation. Around the world, researchers are advancing machines powerful enough to break today’s most trusted security methods in seconds. Yesterday’s encryption won’t withstand tomorrow’s threats. Post-quantum encryption offers a way forward, but only for organizations that prepare now.

What is post-quantum encryption?

Every organization depends on encryption to protect what matters most — from patient health records to trade secrets and government data. Encryption locks this information behind mathematical puzzles that are nearly impossible for classical computers to solve.

Two of the most common systems in use today are RSA and ECC. These are different types of cryptography that have safeguarded sensitive data for decades. With current technology, breaking their codes would take centuries, which is why they’ve been considered secure.

Quantum computing changes that assumption. By applying the principles of quantum physics, these machines can solve in seconds what would take classical computers billions of years. That means RSA and ECC, once trusted for decades, could fail almost instantly.

Post-quantum encryption (PQE) is designed for this new age. It uses algorithms resistant to quantum-powered attacks, ensuring that sensitive information remains protected even as quantum breakthroughs accelerate. For leaders, preparing for PQE is less about technology alone and more about safeguarding the trust your organization relies on.

Why quantum computing threatens current security

Quantum computing represents a seismic shift in computational power. Unlike classical machines, which rely on brute force to break encryption, quantum systems use principles like superposition and entanglement to solve problems exponentially faster. And, the result is simple, encryption methods that were trusted for decades are no longer future-proof.

Here’s why current security may be at risk:

• False sense of security: Many leaders assume quantum threats are decades away. In reality, attackers and researchers are already testing these capabilities. Countries such as China have demonstrated early efforts to crack encryption using quantum methods. Waiting until the threat is mainstream could leave your organization facing not only breaches but also reputational damage from being seen as negligent.
• Regulatory pressure is building: Standards bodies like NIST are finalizing quantum-safe algorithms. In Canada, federal mandates now include deadlines for PQE adoption. Even if your business is outside the public sector, these regulations set expectations that will ripple through industries.
• Legacy systems are unprepared: Most enterprise environments were never designed to handle quantum-safe encryption. Migrating complex systems takes years, and the longer organizations wait, the harder it becomes — especially without a clear cyber security and privacy strategy.
• RSA and ECC vulnerabilities: Quantum algorithms such as Shor’s algorithm can break RSA and ECC encryption in minutes. What would take classical computers centuries could soon be trivial.
• Harvest now, decrypt later attacks: Threat actors are already stealing encrypted data today with plans to decrypt it when quantum capabilities mature. Some organized crime groups have openly stated they are preparing to partner with whoever achieves the technology first. This underscored the importance of having a robust cyber breach response plan in place before quantum threats become reality.

For business leaders, the risk is no longer theoretical. Technology is advancing quickly, and attackers are already preparing. Acting early gives your organization more options and great resilience than waiting until the threat arrives.

Key algorithms, standards, and regulations

Recognizing the risks of quantum computing, governments are already setting expectations for how encryption must evolve.

The Government of Canada roadmap

On June 23, 2025, the Government of Canada released its official roadmap for migrating federal systems to post-quantum encryption. The milestones include:

• April 2026: Federal departments must submit initial migration plans.
• Annually from 2026: Departments must report on progress.
• End of 2031: High-priority systems must be quantum safe.
• End of 2035: All remaining non-classified systems must be migrated.

These deadlines are already influencing how public institutions prepare for the shift. Many are realizing that early preparation is the best way to meet complex, multi-year requirements.

NIST update

In the U.S., the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is keeping pace with post-quantum encryption. In March 2025, it was confirmed that today’s common methods such as RSA and ECC, will eventually be retired. In their place, NIST has identified new quantum-safe options such as ML-KEM (also called Kyber) and ML-DSA (also called Dilithium).

Steps to prepare your organization

Preparing for the quantum era isn’t a quick software update. It requires planning, awareness, and commitment across every part of the organization. Leaders who start early will find the transitions more manageable and protect their organizations from both compliance gaps ad reputational risks.

Here are essential steps to consider:

1. Conduct a cryptographic inventory

Begin by identifying where and how encryption is used across your systems, applications, and data flows. Many organizations lack a full picture, especially when shadow IT or older integrations are involved. Without this map, planning a transition is almost impossible.

2. Assess your quantum risk exposure

Not all data carries the same level of risk. Long-lived records, such as health information, financial data, and intellectual property, are prime targets for harvest now, decrypt later attacks. Understanding which assets are most vulnerable allows leaders to prioritize resources effectively.

3. Develop a migration roadmap

Moving from classical encryption to quantum-safe algorithms can take years. Break the work into phases so systems can be updated in an orderly way. A roadmap helps avoid last-minute scrambles when new standards take effect.

4. Train your teams and raise awareness

Leadership often underestimates the pace of quantum progress. Training executives, IT staff, and compliance teams builds awareness and ensures decision-makers understand what’s at stake. Education is also key to overcoming misconceptions, such as assuming vendors will solve the problem alone.

5. Establish a quantum risk function

Regulations and cryptographic standards are changing at a steady pace, and organizations need a way to keep up. A quantum risk function is a dedicated process for tracking new developments, assessing vendor claims, and reviewing contractual obligations. Building this discipline ensures your organization can adapt to updates as they happen, rather than of reacting when it’s already too late.

Where organizations will face the greatest challenges

Even with careful planning, several obstacles can delay or complicate progress toward quantum readiness. Recognizing these challenges early is key to building a resilient strategy.

• Regulatory alignment: With standards and mandates in constant motion, and expectations are shifting as new guidance is released. Approaches that anticipate change over time are more effective than treating compliance as a one-time exercise.
• Skills and awareness gaps: Quantum-safe cryptography remains highly specialized. Leadership may not always view it as an urgent priority, and many IT teams are still developing the expertise to manage it. Awareness and education can help bridge the gap.
• Cryptographic visibility: Many organizations still lack a clear picture of where encryption is applied across their systems. Shadow IT, legacy environments, and undocumented integrations often make this landscape more complex. Building visibility into these areas is a critical step toward planning.
• Vendor dependencies: Vendors are approaching post-quantum encryption at different speeds, and some solutions may be less advanced than they appear. Taking time to review agreements and ask detailed questions about encryption practices reduces risk and supports long-term resilience.

Building a future-ready strategy

Preparing for quantum computing takes steady progress over time. It involves technology, people, and strategy working together toward the same goal. The journey will look different for every organization, yet the risk is highest for those holding sensitive data such as customer information, financial records, or intellectual property. With experienced guidance, even complex changes can be broken into manageable steps.

The following examples show how a specialized organization can support the process and make readiness more achievable:

• Quantum preparedness assessment: A preparedness assessment establishes an organization’s current state of readiness for quantum transition and outlines steps that can make the shift more efficient.
• Quantum landscape and advisory services: Regular briefings and strategic insights keep leadership updated on new mandates, regulatory developments, and emerging threats that influence long-term planning.
• Cryptographic inventorying and audits: An inventory and audit process identifies where encryption is used across systems, highlights vulnerabilities, and helps prioritize which assets carry the most risk.
• Migration planning and implementation: Effective migration involves moving from legacy encryption to quantum-safe algorithms while maintaining compatibility. Phased planning, vendor evaluations, pilot coordination, and hybrid strategies help reduce disruption.
• Vendor, procurement, and contract reviews: Specialized reviews examine vendor readiness, assess existing agreements, and introduce quantum-resilience requirements into future contracts to strengthen protection.
• Training and education services: Briefings, workshops, and change management sessions build awareness across leadership, IT, and data owners to create alignment and support long-term readiness.

Quantum computing will transform cyber security in ways that are only beginning to be understood. Organizations that start preparing now will have more control over the transition and greater confidence in the protection of their most valuable data.

Whether the first step is understanding current readiness, mapping encryption across systems, or planning a migration to quantum-safe algorithms, progress made today reduces risk tomorrow. With expert guidance and steady action, even the most complex challenges can be managed. The result is resilience — a future-ready security posture built to protect both information and trust in the years ahead.