Welcome to the post-quantum era: challenges and strategies for cybersecurity

Post-quantum cryptography: a paradigm shift in cybersecurity

The advent of large-scale quantum computers by 2030–2035 threatens to break the cryptographic foundations that currently secure digital communications. This shift fundamentally alters the cybersecurity landscape. Cryptography, a cornerstone of data protection, must evolve now to remain relevant. Here’s what you need to know—and do—today to stay ahead of the quantum threat.

What is Q-Day?

Q-Day refers to the point in time—estimated by the NIST—when quantum computers will be capable of breaking widely used encryption and authentication methods. When that day comes, the confidentiality and integrity of sensitive data will be at risk. Experts project this could occur as early as 2030, and organizations need to act now to minimize long-term exposure to such a risk.

This is particularly urgent given the “harvest now, decrypt later” strategy already used by cybercriminals: encrypted data stolen today may be decrypted in the future once quantum capabilities mature. For organizations with complex, multi-region infrastructures, early preparation is essential to ensure a smooth and timely migration.

What is PQC (Post-Quantum Cryptography)?

Post-Quantum Cryptography refers to cryptographic algorithms specifically designed to resist attacks from quantum computers. Several of these algorithms have already been identified by the scientific community and are currently being standardized by institutions such as NIST.

These new standards aim to safeguard information flows and ensure cryptographic strength in the face of exponentially more powerful quantum machines.

Why start the transition to pqc now?

Two compelling reasons to start today:

• The complexity of your IT ecosystem matters: The more distributed or interconnected your systems are, the more time-consuming a PQC migration becomes. Proactive planning is the only way to ensure business continuity.
• The risk is already present: Threat actors—especially those backed by nation-states—are already exfiltrating encrypted data for future decryption. Delaying action increases the window of vulnerability.

Migration to post-quantum solutions is not just a technical need—it’s a strategic imperative. But this transition must be guided by expert insight and anchored in crypto-agility to be successful.

The role of crypto-agility

Crypto-agility is the capability to adapt cryptographic frameworks quickly and efficiently in response to emerging threats, new standards, or advances in cryptanalysis. In a post-quantum context, this adaptability becomes mission-critical.

By building crypto-agility into their systems today, organizations ensure they can update or replace encryption methods without overhauling entire infrastructures, reducing both cost and risk. This future-proofing approach empowers businesses to maintain resilience in an uncertain cryptographic future.

How Orange Cyberdefense supports your quantum-safe journey

Quantum computing will impact all organizations—regardless of size or sector. At Orange Cyberdefense, we view this as a transformational opportunity to strengthen digital trust and resilience.

Our Quantum Safe Migration program offers end-to-end guidance—from risk assessment and asset mapping to stakeholder education and secure implementation of post-quantum solutions. We don’t just follow standards—we help you prepare for what’s next.

Quantum security is not optional—it’s strategic

The quantum threat is no longer hypothetical. It’s a rapidly approaching reality.

But it’s also an opportunity: adopting PQC strengthens your security posture and supports compliance with emerging regulatory frameworks like NIS2, DORA, and MiCA. With Orange Cyberdefense by your side, you can stay ahead of the curve, protect your critical data, and build long-term resilience in a post-quantum world.

Ready to take the next step? Let’s build a safer digital society together.