Quantum Computing: The New Frontline in Cyber Security

What if, tomorrow, every lock safeguarding your organisation’s most sensitive data could be opened in an instant—not by a burglar, but by an unstoppable new form of computing? This scenario is no longer confined to the realm of science fiction. The rapid rise of quantum computing threatens to reshape the world as we know it. While there is excitement about quantum’s potential to transform medicine and finance, for security professionals, it represents an unprecedented challenge: the capability to break the encryption that currently protects your most valuable digital assets. Imagine your most secure systems suddenly exposed, placing intellectual property, customer data and critical infrastructure at risk from attacks few can anticipate, and even fewer can fully defend against.

Figures from 2025 show that nearly seventy percent of organisations consider quantum computing a leading cyber threat within the next three to five years (Capgemini Research Institute). However, only five percent have a clear plan to defend against it (ISACA, 2025). This gulf between awareness and meaningful action is a ticking time bomb.

Quantum: Threat and Opportunity

The media tends to focus on quantum as a looming cybersecurity nightmare, given its power to instantly compromise RSA and ECC encryption, the very foundation of digital security. This fear is justified. When ‘Q-Day’ arrives, many of today’s cryptographic protocols will be rendered obsolete. Yet concentrating on the danger alone overlooks the broader landscape. Quantum technology also holds the promise of extraordinary advancements: accelerating medical research, optimising global logistics, and simulating intricate financial models that are currently out of reach.

A recent Wall Street Journal survey found that forty-one percent of chief executives see quantum as a competitive advantage, not simply a risk. Forward-looking organisations are pursuing a dual strategy, preparing for quantum threats while exploring how these capabilities could transform their business. This approach ensures they will not lag behind rivals who embrace quantum innovation whilst others scramble to close security gaps.

Quantum Risk Requires Board-Level Responsibility

Quantum risk has moved beyond the domain of technology teams; it is now a corporate governance issue. Regulators in the UK, EU and US have established clear expectations for upgrading vulnerable cryptographic systems between 2028 and 2031, aiming for full transition to quantum-safe encryption by 2035. Boards will be expected to show they are taking quantum risk seriously and can face personal exposure if they fail to oversee adequate protections.

Organisations must now treat quantum risk in the same way they respond to data protection or financial regulation: as a standing boardroom issue, tracked in detail, with clear resource allocations and accountability.

Supply Chain and Vendor Vulnerabilities

Your data security is only as strong as your most vulnerable supplier. Even the best internal defences can be undermined if vendors or partners – cloud providers, payroll processors, software firms – fail to upgrade their cryptography in time. Regulators will not accept supplier shortcomings as a valid excuse.

Despite this, just twenty-nine percent of organisations have reviewed supplier quantum readiness (Capgemini, 2025). Every business needs quantum-readiness clauses in contracts, a well-defined plan from each supplier, and readiness to switch partners if deadlines are missed. Managing vendor risk in the quantum era cannot be left to chance.

Building Quantum-Ready Teams: The Talent Challenge

Technology alone is not the answer. The most significant barrier to quantum-safe security is a shortage of skilled people. Nearly half of businesses cite a lack of in-house quantum expertise as the biggest challenge (ITPro, 2025). Successfully adopting quantum-resistant measures will require specialists from a range of backgrounds, from cryptography and security architecture to development and operations, all needing to master evolving, unfamiliar protocols.

Bridging this skills gap means forging stronger ties with universities and research bodies. Academic collaboration, innovation hubs and cluster projects provide access to fresh thinking and future leaders. Communities like SECURE | CYBER CONNECT play a vital role in connecting industry, academia and government, supporting diversity of thought and accelerating knowledge transfer. Without this, organisations risk costly delays or poorly executed projects that miss the mark.

The “Harvest Now, Decrypt Later” Problem

Quantum threats are not just about the future. Attackers are already collecting encrypted data today, with the intention of unlocking it once quantum capability is available. This tactic endangers sensitive information such as medical records, financial details, intellectual property, and national secrets, any data that must remain confidential for years to come.

Immediate action is needed. Organisations should begin encrypting long-lived data with quantum-safe algorithms and isolating critical information wherever possible. Neglecting legacy data protection risks undermining years of compliance and hard-earned trust.

Ten Essential Questions for Your Board

To close the gap between awareness and real preparedness, leadership must engage with quantum risk directly. Here are ten vital questions every board should be asking:

• What is our current exposure to quantum risk? Which systems, data and suppliers use vulnerable cryptography?
• Do we have a funded, board-approved plan for migrating to quantum-safe encryption?
• How are we protecting sensitive, long-term data from ‘harvest now, decrypt later’ threats?
• Have we audited our vendors for quantum readiness and included these requirements in our contracts?
• Who is responsible for quantum risk within the business, and do they report regularly at board level?
• What are our plans for recruiting and training to address the quantum skills gap?
• Are we meeting regulatory deadlines for quantum security upgrades?
• Are our incident response and disaster recovery strategies ready for possible quantum-based breaches?
• How will we balance quantum risk mitigation with exploring transformative quantum business opportunities?
• What metrics are in place to measure progress and ensure we are ready for the quantum era?

In Summary

Quantum computing is not a distant possibility, it is an imminent challenge that will bring enormous opportunities along with significant risks. The decisions made today will determine the security and competitive standing of your organisation for decades to come.

Will you take action to protect your digital future now, or wait until it is too late?

If you would like exclusive resources, tailored support, or to join a thriving community of cyber professionals, the SECURE | CYBER CONNECT Community is here for you. Reach out to Justin (Jay) Adamson or get in touch with the team for help navigating the challenges of quantum readiness.

Listen to the full podcast episode: Quantum Cyber Security Crisis: What CEOs, Tech & Security Leaders Must Know

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