Strengthening Enterprise Quantum Security

Quantum computing technologies, and by extension quantum threats, are no longer theoretical. By 2026, quantum will be close enough to pose real risks to today’s encryption.

A May 2025 analysis by Google found that factoring RSA-2048 (the standard encryption many enterprises still rely on) could require fewer than one million physical qubits.

The problem is that most companies simply aren’t ready for such threats. A recent survey shows that only 5% of enterprises have deployed quantum-safe encryption, even though a majority recognize the threat.

Hackers are already running “harvest now, decrypt later” attacks, collecting encrypted data today to unlock when quantum computing matures. For enterprises, the question isn’t if, but when.

This post looks at how companies can bolster their quantum guardrails for 2026 and beyond.

Quantum Security Basics

To understand why enterprises need to prepare, let’s quickly break down what quantum security means.

Traditional encryption, like RSA and ECC, protects most of today’s digital world. These systems rely on math problems that classical computers can’t easily solve, such as factoring large prime numbers. Quantum computers, however, can. Algorithms like Shor’s are designed to slice through RSA and ECC, making them obsolete once quantum power reaches a certain scale.

That’s where post-quantum cryptography (PQC) comes in. PQC algorithms are built to withstand both classical and quantum attacks. In 2024, NIST finalized its first PQC standards, signaling that it’s no longer an experimental field: it’s production-ready.

Another piece of the puzzle is Quantum Key Distribution (QKD). Unlike PQC, which is software-based, QKD uses the laws of physics to secure communications. It’s powerful, but still limited in where it can be deployed today.

For enterprises, the takeaway is simple: the cryptography we trust now won’t last forever. Investing in modern AI-powered quantum security solutions means getting ready for that shift before the clock runs out.

Why Enterprises Need to Act Now (Not Later)

It’s tempting to think quantum threats are still years away, but enterprises don’t have the luxury of waiting.

First, there’s regulation. NIST’s post-quantum standards are already here, and U.S. federal mandates under CNSA 2.0 require certain systems to adopt them by the end of 2025. Similar requirements are on the horizon in Europe and Asia. Falling behind means compliance headaches and possible penalties.

Second, the threat isn’t just theoretical. Hackers’ “harvest now, decrypt later” attacks don’t need quantum computers today to be dangerous; all they need is your encrypted data, stored away until quantum power catches up.

Finally, there’s reputation. A data breach tied to outdated encryption would devastate customer trust. The clock isn’t striking midnight yet, but it’s ticking louder every day. Enterprises that start the shift now will avoid the scramble later.

Core Strategies to Strengthen Quantum Security in 2026

So how do enterprises actually start gearing up? Here are six strategies that help build a solid foundation.

1. Inventory and Risk Assessment

The first step is knowing where you stand. Most enterprises underestimate how deeply encryption is rooted in their processes: customer databases, payment systems, APIs, cloud apps, employee devices, IoT sensors, and even printers.

Start by:

• Mapping all systems and services that use RSA, ECC, or other classical algorithms.
• Flagging “crown jewels,” a.k.a. sensitive data that would be devastating if exposed later.
• Identifying vendors and third-party apps that rely on your cryptography.

Think of it like an audit. Once you have visibility, you can prioritize what needs attention first.

2. Adopt PQC

NIST finalized its first PQC standards in 2024. That was the line in the sand: PQC isn’t experimental anymore, it’s real. These algorithms are designed to withstand both classical and quantum attacks, which means they’re the future.

Start with pilot projects wherein you pick a system or two and implement PQC to test performance. Train your security teams on PQC basics, as familiarity is half the battle. Then, build crypto-agility into your systems. That means designing so you can swap algorithms without re-architecting everything.

PQC adoption will take years. The sooner you begin, the smoother the transition.

3. Use Hybrid Cryptography Models

A full shift to post-quantum cryptography won’t happen overnight. That’s where hybrid cryptography comes in. It’s the bridge between today’s classical systems and tomorrow’s quantum-safe ones.

In practice, hybrid encryption means running both a classical algorithm (RSA/ECC) and a post-quantum algorithm together. Data is secured under both. If one fails in the future, the other still holds.

Here’s how to use it:

• Start with hybrid TLS (Transport Layer Security) implementations, as many vendors already support it.
• Pilot hybrid models in high-value areas first, like customer authentication or financial transactions.
• Monitor performance carefully. Hybrid setups can be heavier computationally.

Think of hybrids as training wheels. They let you move forward without crashing the bike while you learn.

4. Modernize Key Management

The best encryption can be broken if the keys aren’t handled right. Quantum attacks magnify weaknesses in how enterprises generate, store, and rotate keys.

The longer a key is in use, the greater the chance it’ll be cracked. Plus, poor key visibility makes it hard to know what’s vulnerable. Most existing key systems aren’t really built for the coming shift to PQC.

For now, enterprises can:

• Shorten key lifecycles. Rotate keys more frequently to limit exposure.
• Centralize management. Use enterprise-grade key management systems (KMS) with full visibility and auditability.
• Enable crypto-agility. Your KMS should be able to swap in PQC algorithms without tearing down infrastructure.
• Secure keys at rest and in transit. Keys need to be protected not just in storage, but while being exchanged.

Key management is like the lock on your front door. Upgrading to PQC won’t help if you still leave the key under the mat.

5. Protect the Network Layer

Your network is the highway for sensitive data. If encryption breaks here, everything else collapses. Quantum security has to cover this layer too, because:

• TLS and virtual primate networks (VPNs) are everywhere, from websites to remote work. Most still rely on RSA/ECC.
• Session hijacking becomes a bigger risk when attackers can retroactively decrypt captured traffic.
• Critical infrastructure often runs on outdated protocols, which are prime targets for “harvest now, decrypt later.”

Accordingly, these practical shifts can help:

• Upgrade TLS. Look for hybrid TLS implementations that pair PQC with existing algorithms.
• Modernize VPNs. Vendors are rolling out quantum-ready VPNs, so start pilot projects now.
• Segment networks. Don’t let sensitive data travel over the same pipes as everything else.
• Test Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) if you’re in finance, defense, or healthcare. It’s not mainstream yet, but it’s worth exploring for ultra-high-value data.

Think of the network as your data’s bloodstream. If it gets poisoned, nothing else survives. Securing it against quantum risks is becoming non-negotiable.

6. Secure the Supply Chain

Your defenses are only as strong as your weakest vendor. And in the upcoming quantum world, that weak link could be costly.

Third-party software often embeds cryptography you don’t control. If it’s outdated, you inherit the risk. Plus, cloud providers and SaaS platforms are part of your encryption chain. If they lag on PQC, your data isn’t safe. Also, attackers love the back door: breaching a smaller vendor to get to a larger enterprise.

So, add quantum readiness to vendor assessments. Ask how suppliers plan to adopt PQC. Update contracts to require quantum-safe practices for partners handling sensitive data. Prioritize critical vendors first, such as cloud, payments, and authentication providers.

Like cybersecurity, quantum security is a team sport. If your supply chain doesn’t prepare, your enterprise isn’t prepared, either.

Time to Start

Quantum computing isn’t just a research topic anymore. By 2026, it will be an actual boardroom issue. The ability to secure your systems against quantum attacks will define how much customers, regulators, and partners trust you.

You don’t need to solve everything today, but you do need to start. Run the audits. Pilot PQC. Modernize your key management. Tighten your network. Push vendors to get on board.

“Let’s wait and watch” is the riskiest move of all. Hackers are already collecting data to crack later. Regulators have set deadlines. So enterprises that act now are the ones that will stay compliant and safeguarded.

Want to stay ahead of the curve? Join ACM to keep up with the latest insights and research on quantum security and beyond.

Carl Torrence is a Content Marketer at Marketing Digest, with a focus on creating research-backed content for brands, SaaS companies, and digital agencies. In his downtime, he enjoys binge-watching time-travel movies and listening to Linkin Park and Coldplay.