The Quantum Storm is Coming: How Smart Businesses Are Preparing Their IT Infrastructure for the Biggest Security Revolution Since the Internet

The cybersecurity landscape is about to face its most significant disruption in decades. According to the Global Risk Institute’s 2024 Quantum Threat Timeline Report, experts estimate that within 5-15 years, a cryptographically relevant quantum computer (CRQC) could break standard encryptions in under 24 hours, with a 17% to 34% chance that such a computer would exist capable of breaking RSA 2048 by 2034. For businesses in Contra Costa County and beyond, this isn’t a distant sci-fi scenario—it’s an immediate strategic imperative that requires action today.

Understanding the Quantum Threat Landscape

Quantum computers can break many current encryption methods, such as RSA and ECC, in seconds, putting sensitive data, secure communications, and systems like blockchain at risk. Unlike traditional computers that process information sequentially, a sufficiently powerful quantum computer could break cryptography in just a few hours or days compared to the billions of years a conventional computer would take.

The most concerning aspect of this threat is the “harvest now, decrypt later” strategy, in which hackers may steal data now to decrypt later with quantum power. Adversaries may already be collecting encrypted data to decrypt once the technology matures, making current data vulnerable even before quantum computers become fully operational.

Quantum computers could be used to access systems that house important taxpayer records or manage critical infrastructure like electricity grids, while government, healthcare, financial, and utility systems relying on traditional cryptography could become vulnerable to quantum-powered cyberattacks.

The Business Impact: Why Every Organization Must Act Now

Sixty percent in Canada and 73 percent in the US believe “it’s only a matter of time” before cybercriminals are using the power of quantum to decrypt and disrupt today’s cybersecurity protocols, yet 62 percent in Canada and 81 percent in the US admit that they need to do a better job of evaluating their current capabilities to ensure their data remains secure.

The preparation gap is alarming. Only 9% of tech leaders surveyed said they have a roadmap in place for dealing with post-quantum cryptography, while only five percent consider it a high priority in the near term, and five percent say their organizations have a defined strategy to address it.

For businesses that rely on comprehensive IT support services to maintain their operations, this quantum threat represents both a challenge and an opportunity to strengthen their security posture proactively. Companies like Red Box Business Solutions in Contra Costa County are already helping businesses understand and prepare for these emerging threats through strategic IT consulting and robust cybersecurity services.

Post-Quantum Cryptography: Your Defense Strategy

NIST has been instrumental in developing new, stronger encryption algorithms based on mathematical problems that are thought to be resistant to quantum computers through post quantum cryptography (PQC). NIST released its first set of finalized Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC) standards in August 2024, with quantum-resistant algorithms, including CRYSTALS-Kyber, CRYSTALS-Dilithium, and SPHINCS+, vetted for long-term resilience and ready for implementation.

Most organizations can’t replace their entire security infrastructure overnight, so a hybrid approach is the best starting point, using Hybrid TLS (Transport Layer Security), which combines traditional encryption (RSA, ECC) with Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC).

Practical Steps for Business Preparation

Companies should begin by establishing a group responsible for managing this transition, then work to identify the cryptographic assets — keys and certificates — across their organization, and only after establishing proper visibility can leaders prioritize the highest-value data for testing prototype PQC-ready solutions.

The preparation process involves four key phases:

The Role of Managed IT Services in Quantum Preparedness

Organizations that partner with experienced managed service providers gain a significant advantage in quantum preparedness. Red Box Business Solutions, serving Contra Costa County businesses for over 20 years, exemplifies how comprehensive IT support can help organizations navigate complex technological transitions. Their team maintains the highest levels of technology and security certifications, ensuring clients receive expert guidance on emerging threats like quantum computing.

A strategic approach to IT management can transform businesses, with services designed to optimize technology usage, ensuring organizations get the most out of their IT investments. This strategic partnership becomes crucial when preparing for quantum threats, as it takes three to four years on average to go from awareness to a structured approach that includes a strategic roadmap, an ecosystem of partnerships, and pilot programs.

Government Mandates and Compliance Requirements

The National Security Memorandum 10 (NSM-10) sets a clear deadline for the full migration to PQC by 2035, requiring all cryptographic systems used by federal agencies to be quantum-resistant to ensure the security of sensitive information. In 2022, a U.S. law was passed that requires government agencies to take action in using post-quantum cryptography — and encourages the private sector to follow suit.

While these mandates currently focus on federal agencies, private sector organizations should expect similar requirements to emerge, making early preparation not just strategic but potentially mandatory for regulatory compliance.

The Time to Act is Now

2025 is an important year – it is probably our last chance to start our migration to post quantum cryptography before we are all undone by cryptographically relevant quantum computers. The time for enterprise preparation is now, as enterprises that wait until quantum computers reach their full potential to begin planning their transition to quantum-resistant encryption will be too late.

For businesses in Contra Costa County and beyond, the quantum revolution represents both a significant threat and an opportunity to strengthen cybersecurity posture. By partnering with experienced IT service providers who understand both current security needs and emerging quantum threats, organizations can build resilient, future-ready infrastructures that protect their most valuable assets.

The quantum storm is coming, but with proper preparation and expert guidance, your business can weather it successfully. The question isn’t whether quantum computers will break current encryption—it’s whether your organization will be ready when they do.