Discover how U.S. companies can prepare for the quantum computing threat by migrating toward post-quantum cryptography (PQC). Learn about standards, risks, timelines, implementation steps, and best practices for quantum-safe data protection.
Quantum computing promises extraordinary advances in fields from drug discovery to materials science. But with that power comes a profound risk: the ability of sufficiently advanced quantum machines to break the public-key cryptography used today across banking, commerce, government, and critical infrastructure. For U.S. companies, the time to act is no longer “sometime in the future” — it’s now. A robust strategy around the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)-driven post-quantum cryptography (PQC), inventorying cryptographic assets, and a transition roadmap are essential.
This article explores the urgency of PQC, the current standards landscape, practical implications, and what U.S. companies — from startups to Fortune 500s — must know to stay ahead of the quantum curve.
Quantum computers leverage quantum bits (qubits) and phenomena like superposition and entanglement to perform computations that classical machines cannot. Algorithms like Shor’s algorithm threaten the security of widely used public-key systems (e.g., RSA, ECC). That means encrypted data captured today could potentially be decrypted later when quantum capabilities mature (“harvest now, decrypt later”).
While no commercially verified quantum computer exists today that can break mainstream encryption at scale, momentum is growing. Moreover, data with long confidentiality requirements — think medical records, financial archives, state secrets — are already at risk of being stored and later decrypted once a quantum computer is available. Many enterprises underestimate this timeline.
For companies operating in the U.S., the implications are multi-fold
The Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) has launched a PQC initiative to unify public-private efforts in the U.S. to address quantum threats. For U.S. businesses, this signals a regulatory shift is coming, not just a theoretical concern.
Many organizations still use outdated encryption protocols, unpatched systems, and poor visibility into where encryption is applied. These vulnerabilities create a backlog of cryptographic risk (sometimes called crypto-debt)
Even if your company is ready, vendors or partners may not be. That creates risk in outsourcing, third-party services, and embedded systems. U.S. companies must consider supply-chain quantum-resilience.
As PQC standards become required, non-compliance may lead to fines, breach liability, or inability to win contracts (especially government or defense). Early adoption builds an advantage.
Companies that demonstrably adopt quantum-safe cryptography can position themselves as more trustworthy, especially in sensitive sectors (finance, healthcare, government).
Transitioning to PQC is non-trivial: algorithm changes, key management revisions, certificate replacements, hardware upgrades, performance impact, and extensive testing. Some companies procrastinate due to cost or lack of expertise. But the cost of inaction may be higher long-term.
Identify high-value or high-risk data flows (e.g., personal data, intellectual property, government contracts) and the associated encryption. Prioritise those for migration first.
Test PQC algorithms in non-mission-critical systems to gauge performance, compatibility, and operational impact. Then build a roadmap to scale migration.
Ensure your vendors, infrastructure providers, and supply-chain participants are also planning PQC. Ask for quantum-resilience in contracts and audits.
Stay informed about NIST updates, industry best practices, and quantum computing research. Timeline expectations may shift.
Equip stakeholders (board, C-suite, CTOs) with clear briefings on quantum risk and PQC strategies. Externally, reassure clients/customers of your proactive posture.
Here’s a high-level timeline tailored for U.S. enterprises
Must protect customer data, transactions, and regulatory compliance (e.g., Sarbanes-Oxley, FFIEC). Early PQC adoption signals resilience to investors and regulators.
Patient records have long-life confidentiality requirements; the cost of breach is high. Combine with HIPAA obligations.
Suppliers to the U.S. government must align with evolving standards (e.g., CNSA 2.0) and may need to prove a quantum-safe posture.
Systems have long-lifespan electronics and embedded devices — migration to PQC early reduces future risk.
Often under-resourced for such transitions. However, they are equally exposed — partnering with vendors that offer quantum-safe services may help.
Many systems are “hard-coded” with older algorithms; migration may require firmware/hardware updates or full replacement. Strategy: assess for vulnerability and plan phased upgrades, possibly hybrid encryption.
Some PQC algorithms require larger keys, more computing overhead, or greater bandwidth than classical ones. Planning: benchmark performance, review vendor guidance, and adopt hybrid models where necessary.
Not all software, hardware, or services support PQC today. Solution: engage vendors, demand quantum-safe guarantees, and incorporate into contract terms.
Many companies face competing priorities (cloud migration, AI, and regulatory). Yet delaying PQC increases risk. Solution: treat PQC as strategic security modernization, secure executive buy-in, and budget early.
Cryptography and quantum readiness require specialised skills. Solution: partner with expert consultants, attend trainings, leverage vendor toolkits (e.g., Entrust’s PQC readiness services).
For U.S. companies, the race to post-quantum cryptography underscores a strategic pivot in how cybersecurity is approached. While quantum computing may not yet be ubiquitous, the risk of today’s encryption being broken in the future is real. By treating PQC as part of a broader cryptographic-modernization effort — including asset inventory, agility, vendor engagement, and migration planning — organisations can reduce future liability, protect long-lived data, meet regulatory expectations, and position themselves as leaders in digital trust.
Redefining Supply Chains with AI, IoT & Blockchain in 2025: Insights for the US & UK Explore how AI, IoT, and blockchain are transforming supply chains in the US & UK in 2025 – key trends, use-cases, challenges, and FAQs...
Deploying Autonomous Agents and Robotics Together: Case Studies from the USA & the UK Explore how autonomous agents and robotics are being deployed together in the USA and UK through real-world case studies. Learn about architectures, technologies, applications, challenges, and...
Data Centres & Infrastructure Build-Out in the UK & US: What’s Driving the Boom? Introduction: A New Era of Collaboration Over the past few years, the build-out of large-scale data centres and supporting infrastructure in both the United Kingdom and...
1st FLOOR, B-33, SECTOR-63, NOIDA, (U.P.)-201301
