Post-Quantum Cryptography

Overview

Post-quantum cryptography (PQC) refers to cryptographic algorithms designed to be secure against attacks by quantum computers. The primary concern is that sufficiently powerful QPUs can break widely deployed public-key cryptographic schemes — most critically RSA encryption — using quantum algorithms (notably Shor's algorithm) that run in polynomial rather than exponential time on classical hardware.

As of 2025, NIST (National Institute of Standards and Technology) is the authoritative body actively reviewing and recommending post-quantum cryptographic methods, having run a multi-year evaluation process to identify quantum-resistant algorithm standards. The practical recommendation for organizations is to begin migrating away from RSA proactively, ahead of the 2030 timeframe when massive commercial QPU deployment is targeted, rather than waiting until quantum systems capable of breaking RSA are widely available.