Given the enormity of an organization’s quantum-safe migration, it makes good sense for them to do as much planning and preparation as possible ahead of time. Tremendous benefits can be realized by doing the work now rather than delaying. Conversely, significant risk can be incurred by putting off migration planning. In this blog entry, we give an overview of our top reasons for being as proactive as possible with your organization’s quantum-safe migration.
Large-scale quantum computing is inching closer to reality. Although we expect quantum computing to bring many benefits, we cannot lose sight of the fact that it will turn data security on its head. Traditional cryptographic algorithms, and any protocols or applications which still use them, will immediately become insecure with the emergence of a Cryptographically Relevant Quantum Computer (CRQC).
There is a clear solution to this problem. Namely, stop using quantum-vulnerable algorithms (e.g., RSA and ECC) and instead start using quantum-safe algorithms (e.g., the algorithms recently standardized through NIST). However, upgrading the world’s information systems to use new algorithms is no simple task. For many large enterprises or government agencies, it is reasonable to expect the migration will take longer than a decade to complete. In some cases, much longer.
Modern information systems are complex. Directly or indirectly, cryptographic algorithm specifications can have a significant impact on the design of hardware, software libraries, protocols, applications, and other reliant systems. Although we expect many future systems to be cryptographically agile by design, few systems today can easily accommodate changes to their underlying cryptography. Consequently, a change to a cryptographic algorithm today can have significant cascading effects across supply chains, among end-users, and within organizations themselves.
Fortunately, the quantum-safe migration won’t be that complex in every case. In some cases, the migration might come in the form of a typical software update. To an end user this quantum-safe update might be transparent and seamless. One day their device uses quantum-vulnerable algorithms, they install an update, and now they’re back to having peace of mind. However, even if the software update goes smoothly, any messages the user sent before the update could still be susceptible to Harvest-and-Decrypt attacks.
The conclusion? It’s a good idea to be proactive with your quantum-safe migration efforts. Let’s take a step back and look at our top 17 reasons for kickstarting your quantum-safe migration today!
- Quantum risk. Quantum computing is developing quickly. Current best estimates say that the likelihood of the arrival of a CRQC within the next 5 to 15 years is materially high. Assuming the migration will take several years to complete, organizations should start their migrations now to minimize risk.
- Minimize errors caused by rushed migrations. Acting early means you don’t have to rush to migrate later. Haste makes waste — rushing can lead to costly mistakes, wasted resources, and incomplete solutions.
- Quantum-safe algorithms are here. Now that a collection of quantum-safe algorithms has been standardized, organizations have more clarity for defining their migration goals.
- Maintain operational continuity. Planned migrations avoid the operational disruptions often accompanying rushed or ad hoc efforts. Plan your migration early to avoid activating your business continuity plan later.
- Prevent outages and SLA violations. A well-planned migration strategy prevents prolonged outages, protecting your organization from SLA violations, potential legal repercussions, and reputational harms.
- Hybrid threats. Integrating quantum computing with artificial intelligence and machine learning can accelerate the discovery of cryptographic vulnerabilities.
- Reduce security gaps. Organizations can be left with security gaps which they cannot close on their own if a CRQC emerges ahead of schedule, leaving them with an unacceptable level of risk.
- Vendor coordination. Early planning allows for smoother coordination with vendors to ensure the availability of quantum-safe updates. Some systems will require coordination with multiple vendors to fully migrate. Identify and coordinate with all stakeholders as soon as possible.
- Vendor readiness. If current vendors do not have quantum-safe roadmaps, time can be needed to find, vet, and onboard vendors who do.
- Training. Getting a head start allows time to hire or train employees with specialized skills for implementing or maintaining quantum-safe solutions.
- Customer compatibility. Certain products will require specialized solutions to become quantum-safe, which can take time and resources to deploy. Delays can leave your customers with unacceptable risk, causing them to switch to competitors who already have quantum safe alternatives.
- Align roadmap efforts. Integrating your quantum-safe migration with other planned technological or business changes (such as zero trust or crypto agile migrations) will help reduce conflicts and unnecessary costs.
- Strategic phasing. A phased approach allows organizations to adapt to new information as it becomes available, incorporate insights gained from earlier efforts, and make strategic adjustments as needed.
- Cost savings. Well-planned migrations not only avoid the unnecessary costs associated with rushed or poorly executed efforts, but they also allow organizations to spread out their migration costs over time, saving resources in the long run.
- Avoid competitive disadvantage. Delaying their migration can place an organization at a competitive disadvantage compared to competitors who migrated early and correctly.
- Manage surprises. Some migrations can be much more complicated than they first appear, incurring unexpected costs, delays, and conflicts. Starting early helps you understand exactly what your requirements are and how to achieve them.
- Leverage expert support. You are not alone. Organizations can tap into ISARA’s expertise to help navigate cryptographic migrations and ensure they run smoothly. We’re here to help you with your quantum-safe questions and issues. Reach out anytime!
Initiating your quantum-safe cryptographic migration now ensures your organization is better equipped to handle the quantum future by safeguarding data, systems, and assets against emerging threats. Read more about how to avoid the four pitfalls if migration efforts are delayed.
Need help getting started? At ISARA, we are ready to support your quantum preparedness journey. Contact us today to help you navigate this critical transition!