Moving toward an All-of-the-Above Approach to Quantum Cybersecurity

Encryption has long been an invaluable resource in the field of cybersecurity. With the use of pseudo-random number generation, encryption schemes can prevent data from being understandable to anyone other than its intended users, even if others gain access. However, the advancements of quantum computing allow for efficient factoring and logarithmic calculations that make many encryption schemes extremely vulnerable. With this, technical entities must look toward post-quantum cryptography (PQC), utilizing various quantum-safe techniques to encrypt data. The process of migrating to these PQC schemes is beginning now, despite ongoing questions of the security of such systems. In order to properly address the pressures put in place by quantum technologies, institutions will have to utilize the power of quantum computing to properly prevent weaknesses, systems like quantum key distribution. Still, the debate about how and when to implement these changes continues. Fortunately, while quantum computers pose a threat to encryption security, the time has not yet come that a piece of technology exists that can break all encryption systems.