As to the apocalyptic "Q-Day" end to every security standard that keeps the internet and cryptographic secrets functioning, the timeline is still not clear. Sooner is obviously better than later in terms of encryption transition, but Google's announcement surprised many who have been working in the quantum computing field.
The new NIST algorithms are far from the end of the preparatory process, but allow organizations to begin taking concrete action on post-quantum encryption strategies that may need to be operational by the early 2030s.
Quantum machines will soon crack the encryption algorithms we use today to protect everything from national critical infrastructure to online banking. Europe, while a historic leader in quantum science, seems to be struggling to implement a meaningful and unified security response.
Migrating to quantum resistant algorithms will take years to integrate into existing systems and processes. Organisations need to achieve crypto-agility – the ability to change, improve, and revoke cryptographic assets to successfully deal with quantum threats.
Quantum computing now has the potential to capture nearly $700 billion in value as early as 2035. NIST is encouraging U.S. government entities and commercial enterprises to move forward more quickly towards post-quantum cryptography since data is getting harvested today for future decryption.
CISA published an insight document for critical infrastructure organizations to prepare for the transition to new post-quantum cryptography standards that NIST will announce soon.






