Q Day is Approaching, Quantum Computers will be Able to Break Current Cryptographic Algorithms
Capgemini warns of the threat of attacks such as ‘collect now, decrypt later’.
Innovations in quantum computing continue to emerge, posing a problem in terms of so-called ‘collect now, decrypt later’ attacks, which aim to exploit the obsolescence of encryption algorithms in a few years’ time.
In fact, two-thirds of the organisations surveyed by the Capgemini Research Institute are concerned about the increase in these attacks.
Capgemini has published the study ‘Encrypted Future: Why Post-Quantum Cryptography is at the Top of the New Cybersecurity Agenda,’ in which one in six pioneering companies, which are already working with quantum security solutions or plan to implement them, believe that ‘Q Day’ will come within five years.
Q Day is the date when quantum computers will be powerful enough to break current cryptographic algorithms. Meanwhile, six out of ten companies believe this will happen within a decade.
High-risk sectors such as defence and banking are leading the way in implementing quantum security technology. Meanwhile, segments such as e-tail are the opposite example.
In addition, Capgemini points out that some organisations are underestimating the risks of quantum computing.
Seventy per cent of the companies surveyed protect their systems against the quantum threat by migrating to PQC, i.e. post-quantum cryptography algorithms. Almost half of the pioneers are already testing or evaluating this alternative.
Meanwhile, 30% of organisations ignore the quantum threat and have problems allocating budgets or personnel to the cause.
‘Quantum preparedness is not about predicting a date, but about managing an irreversible risk,’ says Marco Pereira, Global Head of Cybersecurity, Cloud Infrastructure Services at Capgemini.
‘Every asset encrypted today could become tomorrow’s breach if organisations delay the adoption of post-quantum protections,’ he warns.
‘Early transition ensures business continuity, regulatory alignment and long-term trust,’ he adds.
For Pereira, ‘quantum security is not an optional expense, but a strategic investment that can turn an imminent risk into a competitive advantage.’
‘Organisations that recognise this fact in time will be better insulated against future cyberattacks,’ he concludes.
