We recently shared some insights on quantum-safe encryption and how it’s shaping the future of cybersecurity and Managed File Transfer (MFT). After those posts, we received a flood of questions and feedback from our readers and customers asking:
1. “What exactly is quantum computing?”
2. “Why should I be concerned about quantum threats if quantum computers aren’t widely available yet?”
3. “How does this impact my organization’s data security and encryption?”
4. “How does this impact MFT?”
5. "What should organizations do now?"
These are great questions, and we totally get it because quantum computing sounds like something out of a sci-fi movie rather than an immediate concern for businesses today. But the reality is, this technology is advancing rapidly, and organizations need to start preparing now to keep their data secure for the future. Knowing that, we want to answer these customer questions.
1. What exactly is quantum computing?
Quantum computing is a new type of computing that processes information in a fundamentally different way than the computers we use today. While classical computers rely on bits (which can be either 0 or 1) to store and process information, quantum computers use quantum bits (qubits) that can exist in multiple states at the same time.
Noted below are some of the key differences between traditional and quantum computers.
Traditional Computers:
• Process information in a linear, step-by-step manner.
• Use bits that can only be 0 or 1 at any given time.
• Perform calculations by following one possible solution path at a time (like flipping a coin with only two possible outcomes).
Quantum Computers:
• Process information using qubits, which can be 0, 1, or both at the same time (thanks to a property called superposition).
• Can analyze multiple possibilities simultaneously, significantly speeding up complex calculations.
• Utilize entanglement, a phenomenon where qubits are linked together, meaning the state of one qubit can instantly influence another, regardless of distance.
2. But why should I be concerned about quantum threats if quantum computers aren’t widely available yet?
Great question! While fully operational quantum computers capable of breaking encryption don’t exist yet, they are coming and the transition to quantum-safe encryption takes time. Listed below are some reasons why organizations need to act now:
• Data Stolen Today Could Be Decrypted Tomorrow. Cybercriminals and nation-states are already harvesting encrypted data, waiting for quantum computers to break the encryption in the future. If your sensitive data is stolen now, it could be exposed years down the line when quantum decryption becomes possible.
• The Transition Will Take Time. The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has already selected new quantum-safe encryption algorithms to replace today’s vulnerable encryption. But transitioning to these new methods won’t happen overnight, it could take a decade or more for organizations to fully adapt.
• Compliance and Regulations Will Change. Governments and regulatory bodies will soon mandate the use of quantum-resistant encryption. Being proactive now ensures your business stays ahead of compliance requirements.
3. How does this impact my organization’s data security and encryption?
Because of superposition and entanglement, quantum computers can solve problems exponentially faster than classical computers. They don’t just go through one solution at a time, they evaluate multiple possibilities simultaneously, making them incredibly powerful for optimization problems, simulations, and cryptographic analysis.
For example, if a classical computer had to guess the password to an encrypted file, it would have to check each possible combination one by one. A quantum computer could analyze all potential passwords at once, however, and thereby dramatically reduce the time needed to crack encryption.
This is why quantum computing poses a serious threat to current cybersecurity systems due to its potential to break encryption methods that today’s classical computers would take years to crack.
4. How Does This Impact MFT?
Since MFT solutions handle the secure exchange of sensitive data, they must evolve to support these new encryption standards.
• MFT solutions will need to replace RSA and ECC with quantum-resistant encryption.
• Organizations must assess their MFT systems to identify areas that require upgrades or new security measures.
• A transition strategy will be needed and businesses should start testing hybrid cryptographic models (using both traditional and quantum-safe encryption) before fully migrating.
If you rely on MFT for compliance, data security, and business operations, this transition isn’t optional, it’s a necessity.
5. What Should Organizations Do Now?
• Assess Your Encryption Usage. Identify where your systems rely on RSA, ECC, or other vulnerable encryption and begin planning for migration.
• Adopt Hybrid Cryptography. Transition to a mix of classical and quantum-resistant encryption before full migration.
• Upgrade MFT Solutions. Ensure your MFT systems support quantum-safe encryption.
• Follow NIST Guidelines. Stay updated on post-quantum cryptography (PQC) standards and compliance requirements.
Final Thoughts: The Time to Prepare Is Now
Quantum computing may seem like a distant future, but security experts agree that the transition to quantum-safe encryption must start now. Organizations that fail to act risk having their sensitive data exposed when quantum computers become powerful enough to break today’s encryption.
At bTrade, we’re already preparing for this shift by ensuring our MFT solutions are built to support quantum-safe encryption.
Want to learn more about securing your data for the quantum era? Contact us at info@btrade.com and let’s get your organization ready for the future.