What quantum threats mean for company security
The risk includes public-key cryptography used for key exchange and signatures, such as RSA and elliptic-curve cryptography. A sufficiently powerful quantum computer could break these methods. Post-quantum cryptography (PQC) uses algorithms designed to resist such attacks. Companies should inventory dependencies and plan migration.
- First determine where the company uses encryption, signatures, certificates, keys and long-term archives.
- Harvest now or store now, decrypt later concerns data captured today that may be decrypted in the future.
- The post-quantum plan should cover suppliers, devices, applications, VPN, PKI, backup and data retention.
- Virtline translates the quantum topic into IT decisions, priorities and a practical safeguard implementation plan.
What is the quantum risk for the company?
The most important threat is the harvest now or store now, decrypt later scenario: data intercepted today may be decrypted in the future if it was protected by an algorithm susceptible to quantum computers. The most at risk are long-term confidential data, contracts, technical documentation, personal data, trade secrets and communication with partners.
Cybersecurity
Assessment of risks, controls and security processes in the corporate environment.
ISO 27001
A framework for asset inventory, risk management and compliance evidence.
Backup
Archival and backup data also require encryption, retention and recovery policies.
What the IT team should inventory
Post-quantum readiness starts with knowing where cryptography is used. Without this map, it is impossible to assess the impact of changing algorithms on applications, devices, vendors and integrations.
- TLS certificates, VPN, mail, file sharing systems and tunnels between locations.
- Keys encrypting data in databases, backups, archives and document repositories.
- Own applications, API integrations, digital signatures, network devices and legacy systems.
- Cloud providers, Microsoft 365, ERP/CRM systems, SaaS services and security solutions.
- Data that must remain confidential for 5, 10 or more years.
Phased decision map
The 30/60/90-day sequence below is a planning example, not a migration deadline for every company. Timing depends on data-confidentiality periods, risk and product readiness. Identify cryptographic uses and data needing long-term protection, then agree tests and changes with suppliers.
- 30 days: Identify systems that use encryption and select data with the longest required confidentiality period.
- 60 days: evaluate suppliers, certificates, VPN, backup, archives and own applications in terms of cryptographic dependencies.
- 90 days: prepare a migration plan, purchasing requirements, key policy and compatibility tests for your most important systems.
- Next: Include post-quantum readiness in regular risk management and security architecture reviews.
Questions for suppliers and IT projects
Companies should not wait until the topic comes up during an audit or customer requirement. It is worth adding post-quantum criteria to conversations about purchasing, app modernisation and security service renewals now.
- Does the solution have a published migration path to post-quantum algorithms?
- Is it possible to rotate certificates, keys and algorithms without downtime of critical services?
- Where are the keys stored and who has administrative access to them?
- Are backups and archives encrypted in a way that can be restored after changing the algorithms?
- Do vendor contracts include security updates and compliance with future requirements?
What not to do
Avoid purchases without an inventory and migration plan. Priorities depend on confidentiality lifetime, algorithms and the upgrade capabilities of systems and suppliers. Do not base the plan on a single forecast date for a computer capable of breaking current cryptography.
Risk management
Record quantum risk in the register, assign an owner and include it in the action plan.
Microsoft 365
Cloud services require an assessment of access, retention, backup and vendor dependency policies.
DORA implementation
Regulated organisations should link the topic of cryptography to ICT resilience and supplier risk.
How Virtline helps prepare a post-quantum migration
Virtline can conduct a cryptography workshop in the company, inventory dependencies, indicate long-lived data, prepare questions for suppliers and combine the post-quantum plan with cybersecurity, ISO 27001, backup and risk management.
Cybersecurity
We assess risks, controls, processes and technical dependencies in the IT environment.
KSB 315 audit
We help sort out technological risks and evidence needed for audit conversations.
Contact
We will determine whether to start with a crypto inventory, long-lived data inventory, or vendor evaluation.
Related articles
Quantum threats should be considered alongside data classification, information security, backup and risk management. This brings the topic into the normal IT decision cycle—inventory, procurement requirements, supplier questions and change planning—instead of leaving it as a futuristic curiosity.
Good data management practices
Classification, retention and data ownership help identify information that must stay confidential for many years.
ISO 27001 security standard
Risk, asset, access and business continuity management as the basis for post-quantum readiness.
The data security triad
Confidentiality, integrity and availability as a benchmark for assessing the impact of cryptographic changes.
Prepare the company for the post-quantum era
Want to know which systems and data are exposed to quantum risk? Call Virtline at +48 12 200 27 10. We will prepare a cryptography map, priorities and a plan for supplier discussions.
- Start by inventorying cryptography, data and dependencies with system owners.
- Reviewing certificates, keys and application dependencies identifies changes that need agreement with suppliers.
- Discuss the initial consultation scope and information needed to assess post-quantum risk.
Contact
A focused review helps identify long-lived data, cryptography dependencies, supplier questions and the first decisions needed for post-quantum readiness.
