Quantum computing offers the possibility of solving some of the world’s most difficult computational problems through massively enhanced speed and scalability. However, this emerging technology is not without risks.
Someday, advancements in quantum computing would allow a large-scale quantum computer to quickly crack all the encryption methods currently in use. Contemporary cryptography relies on complexity. While we can boost the complexity by increasing key lengths, quantum computing can easily trivialize that.
As quantum computing advances, there are steps you can take to protect your sensitive data. Post-quantum cryptography (PQC) can protect against future threats.
Step 1: Assess Your Current Landscape
To protect yourself from future threats, you must understand what your current cryptographic landscape looks like.
Start with a comprehensive discovery of your assets. Conduct data and system inventory to identify and document all encryption methods, keys and tokens currently in use in your organization. This includes cryptographic inventory at rest and in transit.
Organizations often have numerous certificates and keys spread across their environments, whether they’re cloud or on-premises. A deep scan will locate hidden or embedded cryptographic elements.
Once you identify all certificates, sort them into a central inventory for consolidated management. In addition, map out where you’re using public keys, as this is especially vulnerable to quantum computing threats.
Analyzing these assets’ cryptographic standards helps you identify vulnerable algorithms. When you know which systems need to transition to post-quantum standards, you can begin planning for that eventuality.
Step 2: Prioritize Vulnerable Data Sets and Systems
It’s infeasible to transition all of your digital assets to be protected by post quantum algorithms at once. When you’re considering which systems need to transition to post-quantum standards first, think about the data and systems that handle sensitive or mission-critical information. Determine which assets rely on vulnerable encryption methods, especially public key algorithms.
The assets that should be at the top of your list are the ones that contain the most sensitive data and/or provide the most critical services for your organization. Create a risk-based priority list to guide the order of upgrades. Once you’ve developed that list, outline the actions you need to take for each priority item, whether it’s algorithm replacement or key length adjustments.
Step 3: Use Post-Quantum Cryptography
The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has approved post-quantum cryptography (PQC) algorithms. These algorithms secure a wide range of electronic information. NIST urges system administrators to transition to these new standards as soon as possible to protect their systems. These algorithms replace the classical algorithms such as RSA and ECC for PKI based authentication, encryption and digital signatures.
When considering which algorithm to use, look at your previous assessments of your infrastructure. Match each PQC algorithm to its purpose: ML-KEM for general encryption and ML-DSA for digital signatures, for example. Choosing a hybrid encryption model that combines classical and post-quantum algorithms during the transition phase can support compatibility as you progress through your infrastructure.
Quantum safe encryption implementation can be complex, but you don’t have to go it alone. Enterprise public key infrastructure (PKI) solutions like Keyfactor EJBCA offer built-in PQC support. You can be confident that you’re protecting sensitive internet traffic from future risks.
Step 4: Create an Effective PQC Migration Plan
It won’t be possible to complete a full PQC transition overnight, so you’ll need to create a migration plan. The key to effective PQC migration is to prioritize assets based on sensitivity, risks, and exposure to quantum threats.
Best practices for PQC migration include phased implementation, testing, and training. A phased implementation approach allows you to prioritize your assets. It also allows you to collect data on the implementation to determine what’s working and what isn’t. You can take that data from the first implementation phase and apply it to future phases. Be sure to include time for testing to validate your implementation and training to ensure your team members have the skills and knowledge to maintain new standards.
Define clear steps during your migration planning, including timelines, responsible stakeholders, and upgrade requirements. Identifying timelines and stakeholders creates a sense of structure and accountability. As for the upgrade requirements, some equipment and/or software might not be compatible with quantum safe encryption algorithms. It might be time to move to something else. When you invest in upgrades, you’ll also need to establish a deployment plan for those, too.
As part of your PQC migration plan, you’ll need to set policies and procedures. Policies and procedures will guide your teams to secure and consistent implementation of PQC algorithms.
In addition, using automation tools will speed up discovery, tracking, and migration processes. These tools will reduce human error, so you can be confident your processes will be stronger and safer.
Step 5: Modernize Your PKI for Crypto-Agility
NIST has proposed a deprecation timeline for transition to PQC. That’s why crypto-agility is crucial. Crypto-agility refers to the ability to replace and adapt cryptographic algorithms across applications, devices, and infrastructures without interrupting systems to achieve resiliency.
Fast adoption of quantum safe encryption is essential to protecting data. However, there are some actions you might be taking that can hinder your crypto-agility. Manual PKI certificate management makes it more difficult to understand which certificates you have and which need to be updated. As a result, it will take more time to migrate to PQC algorithms.
Automating PKI processes helps speed up the transition to post-quantum cryptography. Keyfactor Command automates the discovery of PKI certificates so you can speed up your migration to PQC algorithms. With our acquisition of CipherInsights, a cryptographic discovery solution, we’ve enabled continuous monitoring and visibility to protect your sensitive data.
Embrace Quantum-Safe Encryption to Reduce Threats
With the looming emergence of quantum computing, the cybersecurity landscape will soon be home to new threats. Adopting a crypto-agile framework is essential for protecting your organization.
One of the risks inherent in quantum computing is that hackers could steal encrypted data now for post-quantum decryption later. Migrating quickly can prevent that outcome.
Keyfactor wants to help you prepare for the post-quantum era, which is why we’ve created the PQC Lab. It’s an all-in-one resource hub for everything you want to know about PQC. You’ll learn about the latest news in quantum readiness, find tools to secure your systems and data, and get hands-on experience with a free SaaS-based PKI sandbox to quickly test quantum-ready certificates.
You can explore Keyfactor Command, SignServer, and Bouncy Castle in Azure for a deeper understanding of how these solutions work and protect you from threats.
Begin the path to a safer quantum future with discovery powered by Keyfactor. Check out the PQC Lab for all the solutions and resources you need to modernize your PKI.
