Cryptography is one of the core pillars of digital trust. It protects communications, transactions, processes and ultimately, digital identity. But the cryptographic systems we rely on today are approaching a turning point.
Algorithms like RSA and ECC, widely used in digital certificates, electronic signatures, and authentication, could become vulnerable as quantum computing advances.
That’s why the industry is already preparing for what comes next: post-quantum cryptography (PQC).
What is Post-Quantum Cryptography?
Post-quantum cryptography (PQC) refers to a new generation of cryptographic algorithms designed to remain secure against both classical and quantum computers. Today’s digital infrastructure is built on asymmetric cryptography, which underpins:
- Digital certificates
- Electronic signatures
- Authentication systems
- Data protection
However, quantum computers will be able to solve certain mathematical problems, such as integer factorization and discrete logarithms, much more efficiently than classical computers.
This means widely used algorithms like RSA and ECC could eventually be broken.
PQC addresses this challenge by relying on alternative mathematical approaches, such as lattice-based, hash-based, and code-based cryptography, which are considered resistant to quantum attacks.
Why does it matter for organizations?
Post-quantum cryptography is not just a future concern, it’s a present-day strategic priority. Organizations that delay risk facing:
- Exposure of sensitive information
- Compliance and regulatory challenges
- Operational disruptions
- Loss of trust
There is also a growing threat already in motion: “harvest now, decrypt later.”
Harvest Now, Decrypt Later
This attack model involves intercepting encrypted data today and storing it until it can be decrypted in the future using quantum computing. In other words, data stolen today could still be valuable years from now.
This is especially critical for organizations that manage long-term sensitive data, including:
- Financial services
- Government and public sector
- Healthcare
- Technology providers
- Intellectual property–driven industries
How to start preparing
The transition to post-quantum cryptography won’t happen overnight. It requires planning, visibility, and flexibility. Some key first steps include:
1. Gain visibility into your cryptographic assets
Understand which cryptographic algorithms are in use, where they are deployed, and how they support your systems.
2. Build crypto-agility
Crypto-agility is the ability to quickly adapt and replace cryptographic algorithms without disrupting operations. This will be essential as standards continue to evolve.
3. Follow emerging standards
Organizations such as NIST are already defining and standardizing post-quantum algorithms, providing a roadmap for adoption.
Preparing for a quantum future
Quantum computing is still evolving, but the need to prepare is already here.
Organizations that take action today will be better positioned to protect their digital identity infrastructure, ensure compliance, and maintain trust in a post-quantum world.
How Keyfactor and Redtrust support the post-quantum transition
Keyfactor, a leader in identity management, PKI, and cryptographic visibility, helps organizations prepare for the post-quantum era with solutions for issuing post-quantum certificates, discovering cryptographic assets, and building quantum-resistant applications.
As part of the Keyfactor group, Redtrust extends this capability by supporting organizations in planning and managing their transition. As certificate environments grow more complex, ensuring security, control, and centralization becomes essential—making strong partnerships key to a smooth and secure post-quantum journey.
Learn more and plan a secure transition to the post-quantum future.
