Markets
Understanding the problem
Quantum computing will soon have the power to break traditional cryptographic methods, and it is important to be ready for the impact. That’s because quantum computers are exceptionally efficient at solving mathematical problems, and it’s those problems that current cryptography relies on when it comes to encrypting our digital information.
This new technology means that in every single industry, the cryptography that keeps data, devices, connections, and components secure, needs to be modernized in order to align with new post-quantum global standards. This modernization is already underway. Below are just a few of the markets that are focusing on migration as a priority.
Semiconductors & Manufacturing
Semiconductors are a fundamental component of modern electronics and are essential to the production of hardware in complex global supply chains. Ensuring the security and integrity of data and devices in these supply chains is vital, and PQC is essential when it comes to protecting the sensitive information required for semiconductor design, distribution, and manufacturing.
Military and Aerospace
Quantum resistance is essential for the protection of critical national infrastructure and defense. PQC solutions can help upgrade hardware and software to become resilient against quantum attack. Classified data held by defense and aerospace organizations can have a long shelf-life and even now is at risk of interception and future decryption.
Identity & Paymentech
With the development of online financial transactions, integrity and security are essential to the way the world does business. In the next few years, the technology that keeps organizations and financial data safe online will be under threat from quantum attack on legacy systems. With financial institutions particularly at risk from targeted attack, modernization to PQC is essential.
Systems Integrators
Manufactured products often require components and assets that are integrated from the technology supply chain. Systems integrators need confidence that components are built on a secure platform, and that the process of design, build, and deployment of those integrated products is safe from malicious attackers.
Automotive
With advances in technology, the production of vehicles now involves processes and components that rely on data security and integrity of communications. In addition, vehicles use components that may have a long shelf-life, meaning that in the decades to come, today’s technology will still be on the road. Migration to PQC must become a priority for the automotive industry.
Industrial IoT
Automated systems, monitoring equipment, environmental controls, and interconnected devices often rely on certain security protocols to communicate, and as such are perpetually at risk of interception by malicious attackers. With the advent of quantum-computing, it is possible that many of these IoT systems could become entry points to an organization’s network of operation.
Network & Telecommunications
In an increasingly connected world, it’s important to be able to continue to protect the world’s communications and data networks from malicious interception, or attack from the latest threats. Migrating to PQC requires updating existing network infrastructure, protocols, software and authentication methods, identity management mechanisms, and user provisioning.
Enterprise Platforms
Almost every organisation runs efficiently because of tools and applications that serve as the foundation for their business operation. It’s increasingly important to recognise whether these solutions are quantum-resilient. Enterprise platforms need to be protected so that data, business operations, intellectual property and sensitive information are not compromised.