Encryption and digital signature methods designed to resist attacks from future quantum computers while running on today's ordinary hardware.
Much of the public-key cryptography that secures the internet, including RSA and elliptic curve methods, could be broken by a sufficiently large, error-corrected quantum computer. Post-quantum cryptography uses different mathematical problems, such as those based on lattices or hash functions, that are believed to be hard for both classical and quantum computers.
In August 2024, the US National Institute of Standards and Technology published the first finalized standards: FIPS 203 for key establishment, and FIPS 204 and 205 for digital signatures. Because data stolen today could be decrypted later, a risk known as harvest now, decrypt later, security agencies recommend starting preparation early. For a typical business, that means building an inventory of where cryptography is used, asking vendors about their plans, and designing systems that can switch algorithms easily.
The process of converting readable data into scrambled ciphertext that only someone with the correct key can decode.
Quantum ComputingA type of computing that uses quantum-mechanical effects such as superposition and entanglement to process information in new ways.
Transport Layer SecurityThe cryptographic protocol that encrypts and authenticates data sent over networks, securing HTTPS, email, and many other services.
A plain-English guide to encryption at rest and in transit, with real examples from email, phones and websites, plus the settings every small business should check.
The threat, regulation and defense shifts shaping security in 2026, from vulnerability exploitation and AI fraud to CIRCIA and the EU Cyber Resilience Act, with an action list for each.
Quantum computing is advancing, and it threatens today's public-key encryption. We separate hype from reality and lay out a practical post-quantum cryptography readiness plan.