How to Implement Quantum-Safe Solutions

🔐Word o’ the Day | Year | Decade: Crypto-agility, Baby! Yesterday morning, I did a fun fireside chat with Bethany Gadfield - Netzel at the FIA, Inc. Expo in Chicago. We talked about cyber resilience, artificial intelligence, Rubik’s cubes, and that thing called quantum! A question came up at the end, “What can firms actually do today to begin transitioning to post-quantum cryptography?” So thought I would take the opportunity to share my thoughts more broadly on this important, but not super well understood, topic: 1. Don’t wait. The clock for quantum-safe cryptography is already ticking. NIST released its first set of post-quantum standards last year (https://lnkd.in/esTm8uPw) and CISA put out a “Strategy for Migrating to Automated Post-Quantum Discovery and Inventory Tools” last year as part of its broader Post Quantum Cryptography (PQC) Initiative (https://lnkd.in/evpF4umv). h/t Garfield Jones, D.Eng.! 2. Inventory & prioritize. Map all cryptographic usage: what keys, certificates, protocols, and data streams exist today? Which assets hold long-lived value and are at risk of “harvest-now, decrypt-later”? Build a migration roadmap that prioritizes highest-risk systems (e.g., financial settlement platforms, inter-bank links, legacy encryption). 3. Establish crypto-agility. Ensure your architecture supports swapping algorithms, updating certificates, & layering classical + post-quantum primitives without a full system rebuild. This kind of flexibility is key for resilience. 4. Pilot and migrate. Use the new NIST-approved algorithms; experiment first on less time-sensitive systems, validate performance and interoperability, then scale to mission-critical applications. NIST’s IR 8547 report provides a framework for this transition. 5. Vendor & supply-chain alignment. Ask your vendors & service providers: “What’s your PQC transition plan? When will you support NIST-approved post-quantum algorithms? Are your update paths crypto-agile?” If the answer isn’t clear or (as a former boss of mine used to say) they look at you like a “pig at a wristwatch,” you’ve got a potentially serious third-party risk. 6. Board and Exec engagement. Position this not as an IT problem but a fiduciary risk and resilience imperative. The transition to quantum-safe cryptography is multi-year and multi-layered—waiting until it’s urgent means it will be too late.

𝗗𝗮𝘆 𝟴: 𝗗𝗮𝘁𝗮 𝗦𝗲𝗰𝘂𝗿𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗣𝗼𝘀𝘁 𝗤𝘂𝗮𝗻𝘁𝘂𝗺 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 In today’s hyper-connected world, data is the new currency and the perimeter, and it is essential to safeguard them from Cyber criminals. The average cost of a data breach reached an all-time high of $4.88 million in 2024, a 10% increase from 2023. Advances in 𝗾𝘂𝗮𝗻𝘁𝘂𝗺 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗽𝘂𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 further threaten traditional cryptographic systems by potentially rendering widely used algorithms like public key cryptography insecure. Even before large-scale quantum computers become practical, adversaries can harvest encrypted data today and store it for future decryption. Sensitive data encrypted with traditional algorithms may be vulnerable to retrospective attacks once quantum computers are available. As quantum technology evolves, the need for stronger data protection grows. Google Quantum AI recently demonstrated advancements with its Willow processors, which 𝗲𝗻𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲𝘀 𝗲𝗿𝗿𝗼𝗿 𝗰𝗼𝗿𝗿𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝘂𝗿𝗳𝗮𝗰𝗲 𝗰𝗼𝗱𝗲. These breakthroughs underscore the growing efficiency and scalability of quantum computers. To address these threats, Enterprises are turning to 𝗮𝗴𝗶𝗹𝗲 𝗰𝗿𝘆𝗽𝘁𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗽𝗵𝘆 to prepare for Post Quantum era. Proactive Measures for Agile Cryptography and Quantum Resistance: 1. 𝗔𝗱𝗼𝗽𝘁 𝗣𝗼𝘀𝘁-𝗤𝘂𝗮𝗻𝘁𝘂𝗺 𝗔𝗹𝗴𝗼𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗵𝗺𝘀 Transition to NIST-approved PQC standards like CRYSTALS-Kyber, CRYSTALS-Dilithium, Sphincs+. Use hybrid cryptography that combines classical and quantum-resistant methods for a smoother transition. 2. 𝗗𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗴𝗻 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗔𝗴𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆 Avoid hardcoding cryptographic algorithms. Implement abstraction layers and modular cryptographic libraries to enable easy updates, algorithm swaps, and seamless key rotation. 3. 𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗼𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗞𝗲𝘆 𝗠𝗮𝗻𝗮𝗴𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 Use Hardware Security Modules (HSMs) and Key Management Systems (KMS) to automate secure key lifecycle management, including zero-downtime rotation. 4. 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝘁𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝗗𝗮𝘁𝗮 𝗘𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘆𝘄𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲 Encrypt data at rest, in transit, and in use with quantum resistant standards and protocols. For unstructured data, use format-preserving encryption and deploy data-loss prevention (DLP) tools to detect and secure unprotected files. Replace sensitive information with unique tokens that have no exploitable value outside a secure tokenization system. 5. 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝗻 𝗔𝗵𝗲𝗮𝗱 Develop a quantum-readiness strategy, audit systems, prioritize sensitive data, and train teams on agile cryptography and PQC best practices. Agile cryptography and advanced data devaluation techniques are essential for protecting sensitive data as cyber threats evolve. Planning ahead for the post-quantum era can reduce migration costs to PQC algorithms and strengthen cryptographic resilience. Embrace agile cryptography. Devalue sensitive data. Secure your future. #VISA #PaymentSecurity #Cybersecurity #12DaysofCyberSecurityChristmas #PostQuantumCrypto

NIST – Migration to Post-Quantum Cryptography Quantum Readiness outlines a comprehensive framework for transitioning cryptographic systems to post-quantum cryptography (PQC) in response to the emerging threat of quantum computers. Quantum technology is advancing rapidly and poses a significant risk to current public-key cryptographic methods like RSA, ECC, and DSA. This guide aims to assist organizations in preparing for and implementing PQC to safeguard sensitive data and critical systems. Key Points  The Quantum Threat Quantum computers are expected to disrupt cryptography by efficiently solving mathematical problems that underpin widely used encryption and key exchange methods. This would render current public-key systems ineffective in protecting sensitive data, emphasizing the need for cryptographic agility.  NIST PQC Standards NIST is spearheading efforts to standardize quantum-resistant algorithms through an open competition and evaluation process. These algorithms, designed to withstand quantum attacks, focus on two primary areas: 1. Key Establishment: Protecting methods like Diffie-Hellman and RSA key exchange. 2. Digital Signatures: Securing authentication processes.  Migration Framework The document provides a phased approach to migrating cryptographic systems to PQC: 1. Assessment Phase:    - Inventory cryptographic dependencies in current systems.    - Evaluate systems at risk from quantum threats based on sensitivity and lifespan. 2. Preparation Phase:    - Conduct pilot testing of candidate PQC algorithms in existing infrastructure.    - Develop a hybrid approach that combines classical and post-quantum algorithms to ensure interoperability during transition. 3. Implementation Phase:    - Replace vulnerable cryptographic methods with PQC in a phased manner.    - Ensure scalability, performance, and compatibility with existing systems. 4. Monitoring and Updates:    - Continuously monitor the effectiveness of implemented solutions.  Challenges in PQC Migration - Performance Impact: PQC algorithms often have larger key sizes, increased latency, and greater computational demands compared to classical algorithms. - Interoperability: Ensuring smooth integration with legacy systems poses significant technical challenges.  Best Practices - Use hybrid encryption to maintain compatibility while testing PQC algorithms. - Engage in collaboration with vendors, industry groups, and government initiatives to align with best practices and standards. Conclusion The transition to post-quantum cryptography is a proactive measure to secure data and communications against future threats. NIST emphasizes the importance of starting preparations immediately to mitigate risks and ensure a smooth, efficient migration process. Organizations should focus on inventorying dependencies, piloting PQC solutions, and developing cryptographic agility to adapt to this transformative technological shift.

Quantum computing is advancing rapidly, bringing unprecedented processing power that threatens traditional encryption methods. The "collect now, decrypt later" strategy underscores the urgency of preparation, adversaries are already harvesting encrypted data with the intent to decrypt it once large-scale quantum computers become viable. Fortinet is leading the way in quantum-safe security, integrating NIST PQC algorithms, including CRYSTALS-KYBER, into FortiOS to safeguard data from future quantum-based attacks. "A recent real-world demonstration by JPMorgan Chase (JPMC) showcased quantum-safe high-speed 100 Gbps site-to-site IPsec tunnels secured using QKD. The test was conducted between two JPMC data centers in Singapore, covering over 46 km of telecom fiber, and achieved 45 days of continuous operation." "The network leveraged QKD vendor ID Quantique for the quantum key exchange, Fortinet’s FortiGate 4201F for network encryption, and FortiTester for performance measurement." This is not just a theoretical concern, organizations are already deploying quantum-safe encryption solutions. As quantum computing capabilities advance, organizations must adopt quantum-resistant security architectures and take proactive steps now to safeguard their sensitive information against future quantum-enabled attacks. These proactive methods include: -adopting hybrid cryptographic approaches, combining classical and PQC algorithms, ensuring interoperability and a phased transition -implementing crypto-agile architectures, for seamless updates to encryption mechanisms as new quantum-resistant standards emerge -leveraging PQC capable HSMs and TPMs -evaluating network security architectures, such as ZTNA models -ensuring authentication and access controls are resistant to quantum threats. -identifying mission-critical and long-lived data, that must remain secure for decades. -implementing sensitivity-based classification, determine which datasets require the highest level of post-quantum protection. -conducting risk assessments to evaluate data exposure, storage locations, and current encryption standards. -transitioning to quantum-resistant encryption algorithms recommended by NIST’s PQC standardization efforts. -establishing data-at-rest and data-in-transit encryption policies, mandate use of PQC algorithms as they become available. -strengthening key management practices -developing GRC frameworks ensuring adherence to post-quantum security. -implementing continuous cryptographic monitoring to detect and phase out vulnerable encryption methods. -enforcing regulatory compliance by aligning with emerging PQC standards. -establishing incident response plans to handle quantum-driven cryptographic threats proactively. Fortinet remains committed to pioneering quantum-safe encryption solutions, enabling organizations to stay ahead of emerging cryptographic threats. Read more from Dr. Carl Windsor, Fortinet’s CISO!

Quantum computing will break the encryption protecting our digital world, and it's arriving sooner than most business leaders realize. I spoke with Anand Oswal, EVP of Network Security at Palo Alto Networks, to discuss the practical steps organizations must take now to become quantum-ready, on CXOTalk episode 904. The timeline is aggressive: RSA encryption will be deprecated by 2030 and disallowed by 2035. Large-scale cryptographic migrations take 5-10 years to complete, meaning companies that start today barely have enough time to meet these deadlines. Key takeaways for business and security leaders: -- The "harvest now, decrypt later" threat is already active. Nation-states are systematically collecting encrypted data today, betting they'll be able to decrypt it once quantum computers arrive. Organizations handling long-term sensitive information, such as financial records, health data, and intellectual property, face immediate risk, not a future one. -- Cryptographic failure means operational collapse, not data breach. Supply chain management, financial transactions, and remote access all depend on encryption. When algorithms become compromised, these systems stop functioning entirely. This business continuity risk surpasses traditional security concerns. -- Start with visibility before protection. A complete cryptographic inventory takes over a year to compile. Security teams need real-time dashboards showing where legacy encryption exists across cloud workloads, APIs, and network connections before they prioritize remediation efforts. -- Legacy systems require translation, not replacement. Cipher translation technology enables organizations to secure communications to and from older applications at the network layer without costly architectural changes, turning the quantum transition from a disruptive big-bang project into a phased, controlled process. To learn more about quantum security, check out the entire conversation: https://lnkd.in/ebX3EtYP #QuantumComputing #Cybersecurity #QuantumSecurity #CXOTalk #NetworkSecurity

I've given talks about Post Quantum Cryptography the past few years and pretty much everyone has appreciated the heads up, for those that haven't made it to a talk here are the highlights of what you need to do to prepare for Quantum Computers. 1) Build organizational readiness: • Educate and align the C-suite on the urgency of quantum risk and make the business case for a multi-year investment, i.e. get budget. • Identify personnel responsible for migration execution across different teams, i.e. assign a point person for this project. 2) Discover what you have and assess if the systems are ready: • Get an inventory of you hardware and software assets to identify encryption protocols and categorize them (PQ ready, depreciated, really old). • Assess whether hardware assets have sufficient compute to support PQC algorithms (most systems will but the OS might not be ready) • Figure out which systems will require upgrades or replacements. • Identify vendors and partners that you use and discuss their PQC roadmaps, migration support capabilities. [This one is key, talk to your vendors, find out what they are doing, or not doing!] 3) Begin getting Quantum ready • Buy the hardware / software and replace or upgrade whatever does not support PQ cryptography • Test things! Run proof-of-concept deployments in controlled environments (i.e. your test environment) and use a hybrid approach that combine current and post-quantum algorithms. 4) Deploy Quantum ready solutions • Roll out your solutions / new hardware & software in phases, starting with your high priority systems (Duh). • Ensure configurations enforce quantum-safe algorithms by default and automatically block deprecated algorithms when possible (this will be harder than you might think). • Update your security policies to manage both current and quantum-safe network traffic as you transition. • For the old stuff you can't get rid of, use proxy solutions to make IoT devices (like hospitals, manufacturing, etc.) quantum-ready until they can be updated directly. Last but not least, be prepared to change encryption schemes going forward, what we call, Crypto Agility. 5) Keep patching your stuff • Now that you have a list of your hardware and software and what kind of encryption is uses, do this: • Monitor your inventory for vulnerabilities or new threats. Keep in mind that PQ standards are new and they will likely change over time. • Establish a process to replace or update vulnerable algorithms There, you've now just read my talk, but you missed all my jokes and fun stories, but you got the details / important take aways. 😃 😁 😀 If you want the Internal Control Questionnaire (#ICQ) I put together for some auditor friends, message me here and I'll send it to you.