As quantum computing advances, InfoSec leaders face a pressing need to prepare their organizations to withstand the new security challenges that will become all too real when quantum computers are able to break current encryption algorithms.
This blog rounds up some of our audience’s most common questions about quantum readiness, including:
- Which organizations will be impacted most
- How to transition from traditional encryption to quantum-safe methods
- Types of machine identities and encryption affected
- Key terminology and approved algorithms
- And more
FAQ #1: Which Organizations Will Be Most Heavily Impacted by Quantum Computing?
Any organization that relies on cryptography to safeguard sensitive data is in the spotlight. This includes (but is not limited to) financial institutions, healthcare providers, government agencies and technology companies. For these entities, quantum computing presents a mix of both opportunities and threats.
On one hand, new avenues for rapid data processing and innovative solutions are on the horizon. On the flip side, existing cryptographic safeguards are at risk, which opens the door to potential data breaches.
Kevin Bocek, Chief Innovation Officer at Venafi, a CyberArk Company, highlights the crucial need to weave quantum considerations into risk planning today. By doing so, you can stay one step ahead, ready to tackle both the challenges and the opportunities that quantum advancements will bring.
FAQ #2: What is a “Cryptographically Relevant Quantum Computer” (CRQC)?
Cryptographically Relevant Quantum Computers are quantum computers that are powerful enough to break current encryption algorithms.
Unlike traditional computers, quantum computing uses quantum bits (qubits), which can exist in multiple states at the same time. This significantly boosts computational power and efficiency, allowing CRQCs to decrypt information that would take classical computers centuries to unravel. This ability to solve cryptographic challenges at lightning speed poses a serious threat to the security of data protected by today’s encryption methods, especially RSA and ECC.
For InfoSec leaders, understanding CRQC capabilities is essential for building a future-proof security infrastructure. This knowledge will help you make savvy decisions about transitioning to quantum-safe solutions.
FAQ #3: What Type of Machine Identities Will Be Affected by Large-Scale Quantum Computers?
Machine identities, such as encryption keys and certificates, are at the center of the encryption strategies we use to help secure machine-to-machine communications, linking devices, applications and users together through authentication. However, with large-scale quantum computers on the horizon, the integrity of these identities faces a serious challenge. The certificates, keys and encryption protocols we trust today will need a serious upgrade to withstand CRQCs.
That’s why you must take action and identify which machine identities are most at risk. This includes those crucial for secure communications, software updates and internal systems. By mapping out potential vulnerabilities, you can start strategizing the shift to quantum-resistant alternatives.
FAQ #4: What Can Organizations Do to Transition from Traditional Cryptography to Post-Quantum Cryptography?
Transitioning to post-quantum cryptography isn’t just a good idea. It’s essential.
For organizations committed to safeguarding their digital assets, this means embracing quantum-safe algorithms and protocols. Start by conducting a thorough assessment of your current cryptographic infrastructure – knowledge is power!
Next up, develop a robust migration strategy. Identify critical systems, prioritize those in urgent need of attention and craft a timeline for adopting quantum-resistant encryption. Collaborating with industry experts and leveraging existing resources, like a control plane for machine identities, can simplify this journey.
Bocek also emphasizes that managing machine identities and patching software to be quantum-proof will be key to this transition. By utilizing a control plane, you can automatically update and revoke machine identities, speeding up digital transformation while minimizing security risks.
FAQ #5: Will Asymmetric Cryptography Be Affected by Large-Scale Quantum Computers?
Asymmetric cryptography, or public-key cryptography, is especially vulnerable to quantum threats. Encryption algorithms like RSA and ECC, which form the backbone of secure communications and digital signatures, can be cracked with surprising efficiency by CRQCs.
This looming threat highlights the urgency for organizations to pivot to quantum-safe alternatives. Investing in research and development of new algorithms, such as lattice-based cryptography, could provide promising solutions. InfoSec leaders must stay ahead of the curve, keeping an eye on emerging technologies and integrating them into security frameworks proactively.
FAQ #6: Will Symmetric Cryptography Be Affected by Large-Scale Quantum Computers?
While symmetric cryptography is generally more resilient to quantum attacks than its asymmetric counterpart, it’s not completely off the hook. Algorithms like AES will require much larger key sizes to maintain security against quantum computers.
If you’re relying on symmetric encryption, you should consider increasing key lengths and exploring quantum-safe protocols. By staying one step ahead of potential threats, you can ensure that sensitive data remains secure, no matter how advanced quantum technology becomes.
FAQ #7: What’s the Difference between “Quantum,” “Post-Quantum,” “Quantum-Safe” and “Quantum-Resistant Cryptography”?
Here’s a breakdown of these key terms:
- Quantum cryptography harnesses the powers of quantum mechanics to create encryption methods that are virtually unbreakable, often using quantum key distribution (QKD) to keep your data safe.
- Post-quantum cryptography is your defensive strategy against future quantum attacks. These algorithms are designed to replace current ones that could easily fall victim to quantum decryption.
- Quantum-safe cryptography protects you from both quantum and classical threats. This encompasses all cryptographic methods that ensure your communications remain secure in a quantum world.
- Quantum-resistant cryptography refers to algorithms specifically crafted to withstand quantum decryption, offering long-term security for your most sensitive data.
FAQ #8: What Algorithms Has NIST Standardized for Post-Quantum Cryptography?
NIST’s first three standards, FIPS 203, FIPS 204 and FIPS 205, are meant to withstand attacks from quantum computers.
ML-KEM: FIPS 203
A Module-Lattice-Based Key-Encapsulation Mechanism Standard
Designed for more general encryption use cases, FIPS 203 details a key encapsulation mechanism, which is used to establish a shared secret key between two users who communicate over a public channel.
ML-DSA: FIPS 204
A Module-Lattice-Based Digital Signature Standard
FIPS 204 emphasizes the need for secure digital signatures, which are used to detect unapproved changes to information and authenticate identities. Recipients also use digital signatures to verify data as legitimate and tamper free (non-repudiation).
SH-DSA: FIPS 205
A Stateless Hash-Based Digital Signature Standard
FIPS 205 describes a stateless hash-based algorithm that’s also used to authenticate and verify signatories of data.
More Standards Expected
The standardization process for a fourth standard, FIPS 206 (derived from FALCON) is expected in the coming year. From there, NIST will continue to work on the standardization project.
FAQ #9: How can CyberArk Support Your Transition to Post-Quantum Cryptography?
CyberArk is your go-to partner for securing digital assets amid evolving threats. With robust machine identity security solutions, we empower InfoSec leaders with the observability and control to automate and simplify the shift to quantum-safe cryptography.
Our end-to-end solutions facilitate automatic updates and revocations of machine identities, minimizing security risks and ensuring a seamless digital transformation.
Rely on Us to Help with Your Quantum Transition
The quantum computing revolution is inevitable, and the time to act is now! By understanding the implications, transitioning to post-quantum cryptography and teaming up with our experts, you can safeguard your organization against emerging threats while seizing new opportunities.
Kaitlin Harvey is digital content manager for machine identity security at CyberArk
