How will quantum computing impact cybersecurity?

TL;DR: Quantum computing threatens to break widely used encryption methods—forcing organizations to prepare for a post-quantum future by assessing cryptographic risk and transitioning to quantum-resistant algorithms.

The 6clicks expert guide Mastering the Cybersecurity Domain in 2025 warns that quantum computing poses a long-term but transformative threat to traditional cybersecurity models. While today’s quantum computers can’t yet break commercial encryption, future advancements could render current public-key cryptography obsolete—including RSA, ECC, and others used in secure communications, digital signatures, and authentication.

This looming disruption has given rise to “crypto-agility” and post-quantum cryptography (PQC) as strategic priorities for cybersecurity leaders.

Key quantum computing impacts on cybersecurity:

• Encryption vulnerability
  Quantum algorithms like Shor’s can break RSA and ECC by factoring large numbers exponentially faster than classical methods.

• Digital signatures and key exchange
  Authentication protocols used in SSL/TLS, VPNs, and blockchain could be compromised.

• Long-term data confidentiality
  Adversaries may collect encrypted data now and decrypt it later (a “harvest now, decrypt later” strategy).

• Regulatory and national security pressure
  Standards bodies like NIST are already defining PQC algorithms, while governments are urging early migration planning.

How organizations can prepare:

• Conduct cryptographic inventory
  Identify where and how public-key cryptography is used across systems and applications.

• Adopt crypto-agile systems
  Build systems that can be updated to support new cryptographic standards as they emerge.

• Monitor PQC standards
  Follow guidance from NIST, ISO, and regional cybersecurity authorities on algorithm adoption and migration timelines.

• Integrate with domain strategy
  Apply post-quantum readiness within cybersecurity domains like software development security, communication & network security, and risk management.

Concerned about quantum threats to your cryptographic systems?
Book a demo with 6clicks today to see how our platform supports cryptographic inventory, control mapping, and policy enforcement—helping you prepare for the post-quantum era with confidence.