What is the 'Harvest Now, Decrypt Later' threat from quantum computing?

It's a tactic where attackers steal encrypted data today, planning to decrypt it later with future quantum computers.

How is NIST addressing the quantum threat to TLS?

NIST has standardized ML-KEM, a quantum-resistant algorithm, as a key component for post-quantum security in TLS 1.3.

Why should organizations transition to post-quantum cryptography now?

Acting now ensures long-term security against quantum attacks and meets upcoming regulatory mandates.

Home / Technology / Quantum Threat: Internet Security at Risk

Quantum Threat: Internet Security at Risk

5 Jan

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Summary

Quantum computing threatens to make current encryption obsolete.
Attackers use 'Harvest Now, Decrypt Later' to steal data.
ML-KEM is a new standard for quantum-resistant encryption.

Quantum Threat: Internet Security at Risk

The rapid advancements in quantum computing are rapidly closing the gap between theory and application, presenting a significant risk to foundational cybersecurity protocols, particularly TLS.

Attackers are actively exploiting a tactic known as 'Harvest Now, Decrypt Later,' wherein encrypted data is intercepted with the intent to decrypt it using future quantum-powered tools. This strategy poses a substantial threat to sensitive information, including intellectual property, financial transactions, and personal health records.

The global cryptographic community is rallying around new, quantum-resistant algorithms like ML-KEM, standardized by NIST. This lattice-based mechanism withstands attacks from both classical and quantum adversaries, forming a cornerstone for post-quantum security in TLS 1.3, especially when deployed in hybrid key exchanges with classical algorithms to ensure backward compatibility and a smooth transition for organizations.