Preparing for the post-quantum era: a CIO’s guide to securing the future of encryption  – CyberScoop

Quantum computing is on the verge of revolutionizing the technology landscape, much like AI did in 2024. By the end of 2025, quantum computing will emerge as a defining force, ushering in a new era filled with both unprecedented opportunities and significant challenges in securing digital assets.

While state-of-the-art quantum computers aren’t yet capable of threatening cryptographic systems, predictions suggest the quantum computing threat could become a reality by the early 2030s. This timeline, paired with the steady advancements in this technology over the past few years, signals a rapidly approaching disruption on a global scale and a warning call that any business leader should heed.

As the space continues to unfold and evolve, the responsibility lies with CIOs to handle the management of the cryptographic transition and support teams in preparing for the post-quantum (PQ) era. Gone are the days when CISOs were solely responsible for cyber-related incidents. Now, CIOs play a key role in achieving visibility into cryptographic credentials and integrating Post Quantum Cryptography (PQC) solutions to support alignment between IT, security, and data teams.

Why now?

Cryptography is essential for day-to-day business operations, as it protects data and systems from unauthorized access. As quantum computing advances, organizations must adopt quantum-safe algorithms through PQC to safeguard sensitive information. Managing cryptographic sprawl is also crucial — streamlining cryptographic systems ensures better security as more devices rely on encryption.

With 2025 marking the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology, the urgency to prepare for this paradigm shift has never been greater. This requires a proactive approach to safeguard organizations’ most sensitive data against emerging threats. As these advancements accelerate, it is crucial for organizations to recognize the impending challenges posed by quantum computing.

Breaking traditional encryption

Quantum computing poses a significant threat to traditional encryption methods like RSA and Elliptic Curve Cryptography (ECC), which secure sensitive data across personal, financial, and government systems. Quantum computers have already demonstrated the ability to break RSA encryption with smaller keys, and as advancements in quantum technology continue, experts agree that the timeline for breaking current cryptographic systems is accelerating. 

Companies like Microsoft and Amazon are already making major strides in quantum development. As these breakthroughs progress, the risk to cryptography — from personal identities to national security — becomes more imminent, as the potential for a quantum computer in the next decade seems increasingly tangible. These advancements from industry giants are exactly the evidence causing many experts to warn that “Q-Day” — the day when today’s encryption will be broken, leaving data, devices, and critical infrastructure vulnerable — is approaching faster than most organizations are prepared for.

The post-quantum computing imperative

As quantum computing continues to advance, traditional encryption methods will no longer be sufficient to protect sensitive data from exposure. PQC is critical to securing encryption systems and ensuring that data remains protected in a post-quantum world. With the power to break traditional encryption now on the horizon, CIOs must act quickly to transition their organizations to quantum-secure cryptography and adopt PQC solutions to safeguard digital assets before sensitive data becomes susceptible to quantum hackers.

Enterprises that delay may find themselves scrambling to protect digital assets in a new age of cyber threats. If sensitive identity data is compromised, especially without quantum-resistant encryption, it could be used to power convincing deepfakes or falsify transactions. For example, banks could be inundated with deepfakes, making it nearly impossible to distinguish real transactions from fraudulent ones. Governments, too, could face an onslaught of manipulated data and falsified identities, disrupting everything from elections to national security. 

CIOs who start preparing today aren’t just securing their data — they’re positioning themselves to lead in the next era of computing, where quantum-safe innovations will be table stakes. As quantum computing continues to disrupt industries, those who act early will not only mitigate risks, but also set the stage for customer trust and leadership in the digital economy.

Preparing for a post-quantum future

When it comes to PQC preparation, companies should begin by establishing a group responsible for managing this transition. Following this, they should work to identify the cryptographic assets — keys and certificates — across their organization. Only after establishing proper visibility can CIOs lead the charge in prioritizing the highest-value data, which is used in testing prototype PQC-ready solutions in their labs before finally deploying quantum-safe solutions into production across the organization.

CIOs should also review the recently released draft standards from the National Institute of Standards and Technology that provide secure, open, and interoperable cryptographic guidelines to leaders. The standards, which contain instructions to implement encrypted algorithmic code and intended uses, serve as a strategic tool for CIOs to guide their quantum transitions swiftly, while ensuring the proper guardrails and security considerations.

Staying ahead of the curve 

As quantum computing continues to evolve, it is clear that the threat to systems is not a matter of “if,” but “when.” The growing quantum threat underscores the need for urgent preparation for technology teams, as quantum computing is poised to fundamentally change how encryption and digital security function within the IT sector.

The urgency for CIOs to take decisive action is critical — and PQC is the missing piece of cyber resilience that can protect organizations and create a unified technological front against the looming quantum threat. By taking inventory of cryptographic assets, prioritizing the highest-value assets, assessing crypto-agility maturity, and transitioning to quantum-safe algorithms, organizations can combat cryptographic sprawl and better position themselves for the future. 

The time to act is now, as the quantum era is already reshaping the digital landscape. While today’s public key cryptographic systems provide more than enough protection against even the most persistent cybersecurity threats, none are safe from attack by a scaled quantum computer. The CIO serves a unique and critical role in ensuring that teams across an organization are prepared and ready to activate the necessary protocol.

Rishi Kaushal is the CIO of Entrust, a company that helps organizations fight fraud and cyber threats with identity-centric security.

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