The quantum shift: why it will matter for company security
A plain-language overview of how the rise of quantum computing affects encryption, cybersecurity and compliance readiness — without panic, from a practical angle.
This page is Regcytech’s own plain-language explanatory material. It is not legal advice, not a cryptographic product recommendation, and not certification. Specific requirements always depend on the sector, contracts and applicable law.
What is a quantum computer, briefly?
A quantum computer is not simply a faster conventional computer. It works on a different physical principle: for certain, well-defined mathematical problems it can take a fundamentally different route than today’s machines.
For most everyday tasks (email, spreadsheets, websites) it will not be “smarter” than normal computers. Its significance lies in a few special problems — and one of those areas touches the encryption on which today’s digital security is built.
Why is everyone talking about the quantum shift?
In recent years research and investment have accelerated, and international standards bodies have published the first post-quantum cryptography standards. This signals that the topic has moved from the purely theoretical stage toward practical planning.
The point is not that all encryption breaks tomorrow. The point is that a direction has been set: enterprise customers, regulators and auditors increasingly expect organisations to hold a considered, documented position on the question.
Why does this affect cybersecurity?
Much of today’s security rests on encryption. A few practical consequences, at a high level:
- The public-key cryptography in wide use today (the basis of secure connections, signatures and key exchange) may become vulnerable in the long run.
- Symmetric encryption is less affected, but key lengths and practices are still worth reviewing.
- The long-term evidentiary value of digital signatures and certificates is also worth weighing.
- The risk is uneven: long-lived data that must stay confidential for years is the most exposed.
What is the “harvest now, decrypt later” risk?
Encrypted traffic can already be captured today and decrypted later — once a suitable capability appears. This is called the “harvest now, decrypt later” pattern.
It means the risk window is, for certain data, already open. For contracts, health data, intellectual property, financial or long-retention information it is worth weighing this deliberately — not out of panic, but because such data stays confidential for years.
What is post-quantum cryptography (PQC)?
Post-quantum cryptography refers to algorithms designed to resist quantum computers. International standards bodies have already published the first such standards.
The practical transition will be gradual: not a single switch but a multi-year, planned migration. So it is an advantage to start preparation in an orderly way, in good time — rather than at the last minute, in a rush.
What are crypto-inventory and crypto-agility?
- Crypto-inventory: an organised picture of where and what encryption the organisation uses — across systems, connections and supplier integrations.
- Crypto-agility: the ability to swap an algorithm relatively quickly and in a controlled way when it becomes necessary.
- Together they form the basis of preparation: first know what you have, then plan the change.
- Both require the same discipline that underpins every mature security programme: inventory, classification, owners, documentation.
What should an SME start today?
This is not about immediate purchasing, but about deliberate, gradual preparation.
- 01Awareness: leadership should understand this is a manageable programme, not urgent firefighting.
- 02Data classification by lifetime: which data must stay confidential for a long time?
- 03An initial crypto-inventory: where do we use encryption, and who owns it?
- 04A supplier question: how do key suppliers approach post-quantum readiness?
- 05A documented position: a short internal note on what we know and what we plan.
- 06A realistic roadmap: priorities and steps, without panic or rushed spending.
How does it connect to NIS2, ISO 27001, DORA and supplier compliance?
These frameworks can connect, but do not guarantee compliance — exact scope must always be checked against an official source.
- NIS2 and ISO/IEC 27001: risk-based thinking and a documented position fit well with cryptographic readiness.
- DORA-like digital resilience: long-term data protection and key management can connect — exact scope must be examined separately.
- Supplier and customer due diligence: more questionnaires now touch cryptographic practice and future readiness.
- Internal governance: a well-ordered crypto-inventory is reusable for later audits and questionnaires.
How can Regcytech help here?
We work in an advisory, readiness and documentation role — not as a cryptographic product.
- awareness and a leadership overview of quantum risk
- risk mapping and data classification by lifetime
- support in building an initial crypto-inventory
- shaping a readiness roadmap and priorities
- support for supplier and questionnaire readiness
- developing a documented internal position
What we do not provide
We work in an advisory, readiness role. The boundaries are clear:
- We are not a cryptographic product or tool vendor.
- We do not provide quantum-cryptography implementation.
- We do not perform certification or accredited audits.
- We do not provide a legal or compliance guarantee.
- We do not reproduce the copyrighted text of standards.
Where we can help
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Let’s see how this affects your company
A short overview maps which of your data is most exposed and where to start preparing — with no obligation.