Key Takeaways
- Quantum computing is reshaping long-term security requirements
- Microcontroller design must adapt to quantum-safe standards
- Global regulations are accelerating PQC adoption
- Compliance is becoming essential for supply chain access
- PQShield delivers scalable solutions for quantum-resilient systems
How PQC regulations are influencing microcontroller design
It’s fair to say that microcontrollers rarely make headlines. But the cryptographic decisions baked into their design today might determine which devices stay secure in a post-quantum world tomorrow, and which become quiet liabilities in the evolving landscape of quantum computing and security.
Long lifecycles and emerging risks
Many of today’s devices and components have long-term lifecycles.
Microcontrollers with a shelf life of 15-20 years are likely to be in use well beyond the advent of quantum computing – leaving systems, controls, networks and critical infrastructure at significant risk without post-quantum protective measures.
In addition, it’s already possible for attackers to steal encrypted data today with a view to decrypt it retroactively when the technology becomes available. With ‘harvest-now-decrypt-later’ attacks already taking place, the threat could not be more prescient.
The quantum deadline and regulatory momentum
The quantum deadline is a key driver for cryptographic modernization. It has also led to significant regulatory and compliance mandates, as governments, industry and national infrastructure aim to update and standardize the systems that keep us safe.
This reflects a broader shift towards proactive integration of post-quantum cryptography across global supply chains, reinforcing the growing importance of quantum computing and security in policy and implementation.
US regulation and CNSA 2.0
CISA (the US Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Agency) mandates a clear transition to quantum-resistant algorithms in alliance with CNSA 2.0, by a finalized date of 2035.
Proactively achieving compliance with CNSA 2.0 is a strong driver, as it de-risks a manufacturer’s ability to sell into high-value government, defense and critical infrastructure markets in the future.
In other words, PQC compliance is a gateway to the supply chain not just of tomorrow but of today. PQShield actively supports organizations navigating these regulatory requirements with practical, scalable cryptographic solutions.
Europe’s quantum roadmap
In Europe, regulations such as the EU Quantum Act (expected for adoption in 2026) and the EU Co-ordinated roadmap, push for resilience in EU Member States for high-risk use cases by the early 2030s with a full quantum deadline of 2035.
Legacy cryptography such as RSA and ECC is rapidly being phased out in preference of NIST-standardized PQC algorithms, even if the transition passes through a hybrid phase of traditional and post-quantum working in tandem.
PQShield continues to align closely with these evolving standards to support secure implementation.
Global alignment on PQC transition
It’s a similar story in the rest of the world. The UK’s NCSC (National Centre for Cybersecurity) has published a detailed roadmap and next steps in preparing for post-quantum cryptography. They are leading to high-priority migration activity for critical systems until 2031.
Australia, Canada, South Korea and Japan all have official guidance for PQC transition until 2035, when many of the international timelines coalesce.
This global alignment further highlights how quantum security is now central to long-term infrastructure strategy.
A growing opportunity for the supply chain
These regulatory pressures open up a remarkable opportunity. PQC is now a strategic necessity for the supply chain, mandated by government as well as industry.
When it comes to microcontrollers, there’s an astonishing potential market ahead.
The ARC Advisory Group estimates over 47 million automation products with OPC connectivity are installed globally, with numbers in the low hundreds of millions of units when it comes to PLCs and Distributed Control Systems.
What’s more, the broader ecosystem of industrial endpoints such as intelligent sensors, actuators and drives likely extends to the billions. The broader IACS (Industrial Automated Control Systems) market is expected to exceed $395bn by 2029 with a favourable tailwind for new technologies such as post-quantum cryptography.
PQShield and practical implementation of PQC
PQShield is specifically focused on implementations of post-quantum cryptography. We’ve spent years building IP that’s flexible, powerful and secure, powered by the very latest NIST-standardized algorithms.
PQMicroLib-Core, our FIPS 140-3-ready ultra-small cryptographic library is a powerful tool for embedded devices, running the very latest post-quantum technology in as little as 13KB, ideal for systems with low footprint and low memory.
When it comes to microcontrollers and industrial systems, we’re at the cutting edge, deploying state-of-the-art side-channel countermeasures in software, ensuring physical protection of cryptographic secrets.
Whether you want to avoid rip and replace, or build greenfield devices with the latest protections, we’ve built solutions like PQMicroLib-Core that will help modernize your cryptography.
Looking ahead: security, regulation and readiness
As the threat landscape evolves, the security pressure will certainly be followed by further regulations, Compliance with PQC mandates is becoming essential across global markets.
This ongoing shift reinforces the importance of quantum computing and security in shaping future technology decisions.
That’s why, at PQShield, we’re committed to moving in alignment with the regulatory situation, and help keep the world safe from the threats of tomorrow, today.
Ready to prepare for the future of quantum computing and security?
Contact us today to explore PQShield’s solutions and start building quantum-resilient systems today.
Frequently asked questions
What is quantum computing and security?
Quantum computing and security refers to how advances in quantum technology impact existing encryption methods and the need for new, quantum-resistant cryptography.
Why do microcontrollers need quantum-safe protection?
Because they often remain in use for decades, microcontrollers must be designed today to withstand future quantum-based attacks.
What is the quantum deadline?
It refers to the timeframe, typically around 2035, by which organisations are expected to transition to quantum-safe cryptographic standards.
What is PQMicroLib-Core?
PQMicroLib-Core is PQShield’s lightweight cryptographic library designed to bring post-quantum security to constrained embedded systems.
How does PQShield help with compliance?
PQShield provides scalable, standards-aligned cryptographic solutions that help organisations meet evolving global PQC regulations.