The need for post-quantum cryptography in the quantum decade

As quantum computing continues to advance and evolve, the potential benefits to society are vast and promising. However, along with these opportunities come significant cybersecurity threats that cannot be ignored. As a result, the need for post-quantum cryptography (PQC) has become increasingly urgent. The U.S. government, along with security leaders, has recognized the importance of accelerating the adoption of PQC to protect sensitive information and secure critical infrastructure. In a significant step towards addressing this issue, President Biden signed the Quantum Computing Cybersecurity Preparedness Act after visiting IBM's quantum data center in October 2022. This legislation underscores the growing recognition of the need for PQC to safeguard against the threats posed by quantum computing. Additionally, the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), and the National Security Agency (NSA) have all advised organizations to develop PQC readiness roadmaps to ensure they are adequately prepared for the quantum decade ahead. As quantum computing continues to progress, the implementation of robust PQC measures will be essential to protect sensitive data and secure communications networks. By staying ahead of the curve and implementing PQC strategies now, organizations can mitigate the cybersecurity risks posed by quantum computing and ensure a secure and resilient future for data protection.