The majority of organizations consider quantum computers the primary threat to their cybersecurity within three to five years. Some organizations are preparing more thoroughly than others.
The business world is looking with some anxiety toward the long-awaited arrival of quantum computers. Two out of three organizations cite quantum computers as the greatest threat to their security over the next three to five years. Yet far from all organizations are ready to combat quantum threats.
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A report from Capgemini, based on a survey of a thousand organizations across thirteen countries, shows that 65 percent of surveyed organizations fear “harvest-now, decrypt-later” attacks. With this method, attackers steal encrypted data today to decrypt it later using more powerful quantum computers.
Q-day
Companies already investing in quantum-safe technologies expect that “Q-day”, the moment when quantum computers can break current encryption, will arrive sooner. One in six even thinks this will happen within five years. The majority of early adopters estimate five to ten years. Academic circles also remain divided on this timeline.
Some sectors are more prepared for “Q-day” than others. Particularly sectors like defense and banking are taking measures to prepare for future quantum threats. In consumer-oriented sectors like retail, there’s less urgency.
Post-quantum Cryptography
Seven out of ten organizations already protect their systems or plan to do so with post-quantum cryptographic algorithms. According to respondents, this technology offers the best approach to keeping data secure in the short term. About half of early adopters are already testing PQC solutions or evaluating feasibility. Regulations and legislation prove to be the main drivers for the transition.
Yet 30 percent of organizations still haven’t allocated budget or staff to address quantum security. They risk facing higher costs and greater security problems later. According to Capgemini, delaying the transition to quantum-safe encryption is therefore risky. Organizations risk data breaches, fines, and reputational damage if they don’t transition in time.