Why Post-Quantum Cryptography Can't Wait
Dark Reading, Thursday, March 12th, 2026
Organizations have to prepare to ensure they have cryptography in place in the post-quantum world.
Somewhere in the world right now, a cybercriminal is trying to steal your organization's encrypted data. They can't read it yet, but the technology needed to do so is rapidly approaching. When ready, that technology will allow criminals to break even the most stringent traditional protections in a matter of minutes.
This type of attack is part of a new "harvest-now, decrypt-later" approach, and it represents one of the most insidious threats facing organizations today. Unlike traditional cyberattacks, which cause immediate and visible damage, these attacks are invisible. There's no ransomware notice, no data breach disclosure, and no emergency response. The theft happens quietly, the encrypted data is archived, and organizations may not know they were compromised until years later, when quantum computers make today's encryption obsolete.