Modern digital security depends on cryptographic systems like RSA and elliptic curve cryptography, which rely on the computational difficulty of problems such as integer factorization and discrete logarithms. Quantum computers fundamentally change this equation. Algorithms like Shor’s algorithm could enable sufficiently powerful quantum machines to break these widely used encryption schemes, putting sensitive data, communications, and critical infrastructure at risk.
Even before large-scale quantum computers exist, the “harvest now, decrypt later” threat is already driving urgency across governments and industries.
Post-quantum cryptography (PQC) is the response to this challenge. PQC refers to new cryptographic algorithms designed to be secure against both classical and quantum attacks, while remaining deployable on today’s systems. Standardization efforts led by organizations such as NIST and the IETF are shaping how these algorithms are adopted in real-world protocols.
In particular, hybrid approaches—such as hybrid TLS that combine classical encryption with PQC algorithms—are emerging as a practical transition strategy, enabling organizations to deploy quantum-resistant protections without sacrificing compatibility.