Quantum Computing Nears A Turning Point

Uploaded on 2024-12-23 in TECHNOLOGY-Key Areas-Quantum Computing, FREE TO VIEW

2025 is anticipated to be a turning point in the technological landscape, heralding transformative advancements driven by quantum computing. This revolution promises to unlock unprecedented possibilities across industries, from healthcare to finance, but it also introduces a critical paradox: the same quantum breakthroughs that enable innovation also pose existential threats to today’s digital security infrastructure.

As quantum capabilities evolve, they expose vulnerabilities in legacy systems and outdated cryptographic algorithms - forcing organizations to confront the urgent need for quantum-safe solutions.

In 2025, the race to adapt will accelerate, reshaping cybersecurity strategies and driving innovation across sectors.

The Clock Is Ticking For Legacy Systems

One of the most significant shifts in 2025 will be the decline of legacy technology stacks. Organizations reliant on outdated systems will face mounting pressure to modernize as postquantum cryptographic (PQC) standards become essential for security and compliance. Legacy systems often depend on cryptographic algorithms like RSA and ECC, which will be highly vulnerable to quantum attacks. As PQC standards are adopted, these older systems will struggle to integrate new algorithms without substantial overhauls, or risk becoming obsolete. This shift will force organizations to re-evaluate their infrastructure and prioritize modernization.

For industries with deeply entrenched legacy systems - such as finance, healthcare, and government - the transition will be particularly challenging.

These sectors must balance operational continuity with the urgent need for quantum readiness. As a result, we can expect accelerated digital transformation efforts aimed at future-proofing critical systems. The transition to quantum-resistant algorithms is not merely a technical upgrade; it is a strategic imperative. This is why organizations need to carefully plan and execute their migration to PQC standards for 2025. While this process may be complex, it is essential for maintaining security, compliance, and competitiveness within the quantum era.

Vendor Showdown: The PQC Race Begins

Forward-thinking vendors will begin making high-profile announcements about their postquantum cryptographic capabilities throughout the new year. While these announcements may not signify immediate availability of PQC solutions, they will demonstrate a commitment to transitioning toward quantum-safe technologies by 2026 and beyond.

With organizations like NIST finalizing PQC standards and deadlines, vendors will aim to position themselves as leaders in this emerging field. These announcements will serve several strategic purposes:

Demonstrating cybersecurity leadership by staying ahead of quantum threats.

Building customer confidence in long-term security solutions.

Aligning with regulatory requirements for post-quantum readiness.

Differentiating in a competitive market through innovative offerings

However, organizations must approach these announcements with discernment. It will be crucial to separate marketing rhetoric from actual technological readiness. By closely evaluating vendor claims, businesses can identify partners who are genuinely prepared to support their transition into the post-quantum era.
The rise of quantum-safe hardware security modules

When it comes to quantum, one significant milestone in 2025 will be the commercial availability of quantum-safe Hardware Security Modules (HSMs). HSMs are essential for maintaining the security and integrity of cryptographic keys and sensitive data, making them a critical component of any modern cybersecurity strategy.

While current HSMs provide an incredible level of performance and efficiency for classic cryptographic operations, they can only handle today's widely used algorithms like RSA-2048 and ECC 256. The impending cryptographic needs and challenges posed by post-quantum algorithms will require organizations to update their HSMs to be PQC-capable sooner rather than later.

More importantly, any organization using a private certificate authority (CA) with private keys stored in software needs to use the PQC upgrade cycle to ensure that they are doing a better job protecting their root CA private keys in an HSM. This transition is not just a technological upgrade but a fundamental shift in how organizations protect their most sensitive cryptographic assets.

The availability of quantum-safe HSMs in 2025 will allow organizations to start implementing robust, quantum-resistant key management and cryptographic operations to support their post-quantum roadmap.
2025 needs to be a turning point

As we stand on the brink of the quantum revolution, one message remains clear: 2025 will be a pivotal year in the technological landscape. The death of legacy systems, the surge in PQC announcements, and the arrival of quantum-safe HSMs will signal a new era in cybersecurity and digital infrastructure.

Organizations that embrace these changes – by modernizing their legacy systems, carefully evaluating vendor claims, and adopting quantum-safe hardware solutions – will not only ensure their security and compliance but will also position themselves as leaders in a rapidly evolving digital world.

The quantum future is no longer a distant possibility but an imminent reality. As we navigate this transformative period, proactive preparation and strategic investment in quantum-ready technologies will be key to thriving in the post-quantum era.

The time to act is now, as the foundations laid in 2025 will determine an organization’s resilience and success throughout the quantum age.

Tim Callan is Chief Experience Officer at Sectigo

Image: bpawesome

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