Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC): Data Protection in the Quantum Computing Era

The world of cybersecurity is preparing to face a new threat emerging from the rise of quantum computing, a technology capable of undermining conventional encryption systems that have long served as the backbone of digital security.
As a proactive measure, the concept of Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC) has emerged, a set of new cryptographic algorithms specifically designed to remain resilient against attacks from quantum computers.

Why the World Needs Post-Quantum Cryptography

Modern cryptographic systems such as RSA and Elliptic Curve Cryptography (ECC) rely on certain mathematical problems that are extremely difficult for classical computers to solve. However, with the advent of quantum computing, capable of solving complex calculations in a fraction of the time—these traditional encryption systems are at risk of becoming obsolete.

This is where PQC comes into play.
Instead of depending on classical algorithms, PQC leverages alternative mathematical approaches such as lattice-based cryptography, hash-based cryptography, and multivariate models, all of which are more resistant to the immense computational power of quantum systems. Its goal is simple yet crucial: to ensure that sensitive data remains secure even when quantum computing reaches full operational capacity.

Global Efforts: NIST Sets the PQC Standard

A major milestone in PQC development occurred in August 2024, when the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) officially selected three primary PQC algorithms as the new global security standard.
This move is part of an international effort to prepare digital infrastructures for the forthcoming “quantum era.” Shortly afterward, NIST also added the HQC (Hamming Quasi-Cyclic) algorithm as a backup option, providing flexibility should vulnerabilities be discovered in the main algorithms in the future.

Slow Adoption Across the Industry

Despite being a top research priority for many institutions, the real-world adoption of PQC remains sluggish. According to a report by F5 Labs, out of one million of the world’s most popular websites, only about 8.6% have implemented hybrid PQC mechanisms in their encryption key exchange processes. This indicates that the majority of digital systems still rely on classical algorithms vulnerable to quantum threats. Meanwhile, a survey by ISACA revealed that many organizations have yet to include migration to PQC in their security roadmaps, signaling a continued lack of awareness regarding the risks posed by quantum computing.

Corporate Initiatives and the Roadmap to a Quantum-Safe Era

Several major technology companies have begun taking concrete steps toward quantum-safe security.
For instance, Microsoft has launched its Quantum Safe Program (QSP), aiming for full migration to quantum-resistant cryptographic systems by 2033—two years ahead of the deadline projected by many government agencies.

In addition, collaborative organizations such as the Post-Quantum Cryptography Coalition (PQCC) have published PQC migration roadmaps designed to assist institutions across various sectors in transitioning smoothly to next-generation security systems.
(MITRE)

Challenges: Compatibility and Crypto-Agility

In its latest white paper, NIST emphasized that the transition toward PQC cannot be achieved instantly. Integrating new algorithms into existing systems requires extensive time, technical adjustments, and comprehensive compatibility testing. Moreover, crypto-agility, the system’s ability to quickly adapt and replace cryptographic algorithms when new vulnerabilities are discovered—has become a critical aspect of future security design. Other obstacles include the incompatibility of older hardware, protocol interoperability, and the need for extensive testing to ensure that systems remain secure without compromising performance.