Quantum Computing Threat to Data Security Requires Immediate Preparation
SC Media, Sunday, October 11th, 2026
Harvest-now, decrypt-later attacks mean organizations should start inventorying quantum-vulnerable cryptography now.
Summarizing CRN reporting, SC Media says that although the timeline for cryptographically relevant quantum computers is uncertain, the move to post-quantum security has to begin now.
The main risk is 'harvest now, decrypt later', in which adversaries collect encrypted data today to decrypt it later, endangering data that must stay confidential for years.
NIST has finalized post-quantum standards, but integrating them is a long, complex process rather than a single purchase.
The first steps are finding every use of quantum-vulnerable cryptography, including PKI certificates and keys, and building strong key management.