Quantum Readiness

Fortis Future™ works with organisations to determine their readiness for quantum computing, a revolutionary technology that promises to transform various industries. Though quantum computing may not yet be on the roadmap for many organisations to harness, there is an increasing awareness of its potential impact on the future of technology and business operations. Indeed, many question what this will even look like and how it might affect their current systems. As we delve deeper into this subject, what we can determine today is that there is an inherent cyber risk to the very foundations of our security infrastructure; cryptographic algorithms. These algorithms, which underpin the security of sensitive data, could be rendered vulnerable in the face of advanced quantum algorithms that may compromise their efficacy. This looming threat necessitates proactive measures and strategic planning from organisations to safeguard their data integrity and maintain trust in their digital environments. As we envision a future where quantum computing plays a significant role, it’s essential for businesses to evaluate their current cybersecurity posture and prepare for the changes that lie ahead.

Adversaries can already collect and store encrypted data with the intent to decrypt it later when quantum capabilities mature. This “harvest now, decrypt later” strategy makes proactive planning essential for any organisation that requires long-term confidentiality or integrity. This is well publicised that data is being intercepted and stored in its encrypted form in readiness for future technological advances to break current cryptographic algorithms.

How Fortis Future™ can help today

• Understand Your Risk Profile
  Identify systems that rely on quantum-vulnerable quantum for digital signatures, especially those supporting critical infrastructure or sensitive data.
• Engage with Vendors
  For enterprise IT, start conversations with your technology suppliers about their roadmap for post-quantum cryptography (PQC) support. Commodity IT users will likely receive PQC through standard updates, but bespoke systems require tailored planning.
• Plan for Migration
  Incorporate PQC readiness into your technology refresh cycles. Ensure new systems are either PQC-enabled or upgradeable once robust implementations of NIST-standard algorithms become available.
• Adopt Interim Measures Where Necessary
  PQ/T hybrid schemes—combining traditional PKC with PQC—can provide transitional interoperability. However, these should be treated as short-term solutions, with a clear path to full PQC adoption.