Home Learn What is Post-Quantum Cryptography? | Learn Post-Quantum Cryptography Learn what post-quantum cryptography is, why it’s needed, the new NIST standards, and how organizations are preparing for quantum-safe encryption. Request demo What is Post-Quantum Cryptography? | Learn Definition and Overview Post-Quantum vs. Traditional Cryptography Benefits of Implementing PQC Commvault’s Approach Post-Quantum Cryptography What is Post-Quantum Cryptography? The quantum computing revolution threatens to break current encryption standards that safeguard our digital infrastructure. Organizations face a critical need to prepare for this shift by implementing quantum-resistant cryptographic methods before quantum computers reach their full potential.Post-quantum cryptography (PQC) represents the next evolution in data protection, designed specifically to withstand attacks from quantum computers. This emerging field focuses on developing cryptographic systems that remain secure against both conventional and quantum computing threats.The urgency for adopting quantum-safe approaches increases as quantum computing advances accelerate. Organizations storing sensitive data must recognize that information encrypted today could be vulnerable to decryption in the future when practical quantum computers become available. Basics PQC Basics PQC refers to cryptographic algorithms designed to withstand attacks from both classical computers and quantum computers. These algorithms address the vulnerability of current cryptographic standards to quantum computing advances, particularly Shor’s algorithm, which can efficiently break widely used public key cryptography systems like RSA and ECC.Organizations operating in hybrid or multi-cloud environments face particular challenges: their data traverses multiple platforms and storage locations, creating complex security requirements. The implementation of PQC protocols varies significantly based on organizational size, industry regulations, and specific security needs. Definition and Overview Definition and Overview PQC builds on mathematical problems that remain difficult to solve even with quantum computing capabilities. The core principle involves creating cryptographic systems that maintain security integrity against quantum attacks while remaining practical for implementation in existing infrastructure.Unlike current standards that rely on integer factorization or discrete logarithm problems, PQC employs alternative mathematical foundations specifically chosen for their resistance to quantum algorithms.The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) leads standardization efforts for PQC, evaluating candidate algorithms for their security, performance, and implementation characteristics. This standardization process helps establish confidence in these new methods before widespread adoption.In August 2024, NIST released the first three PQC standards: FIPS 203, Module-Lattice-Based Key-Encapsulation Mechanism Standard FIPS204, Module-Lattice-Based Digital Signature Standard FIPS205, Stateless Hash-Based Digital Signature Standard A fourth and a fifth are in progress for further resilience. NIST standards are shaping global adoption and compliance requirements. Deep Dive Technical Deep Dive Several families of algorithms form the foundation of PQC, each with unique characteristics and security properties: Lattice-based cryptography: Uses high-dimensional mathematical lattices to create encryption schemes. These algorithms offer strong security guarantees and relatively efficient performance, making them leading candidates for standardization. Code-based cryptography: Relies on error-correcting codes, with security based on the difficulty of decoding general linear codes. These algorithms have withstood decades of cryptanalysis but typically require larger key sizes. Multivariate cryptography: Based on the difficulty of solving systems of multivariate polynomial equations over finite fields. These algorithms often feature very fast signature verification but larger signature sizes. Hash-based cryptography: Creates digital signatures using hash functions. These algorithms offer strong security proofs but may have limitations in signature capacity. Isogeny-based cryptography: Uses mathematical relationships between elliptic curves to create cryptographic systems resistant to quantum attacks. Why PQC Matters Why PQC Matters Quantum computing poses an existential threat to current encryption standards through its ability to solve certain mathematical problems exponentially faster than classical computers. Shor’s algorithm, when implemented on a sufficiently powerful quantum computer, can break RSA and ECC encryption by efficiently factoring large numbers and computing discrete logarithms.Organizations failing to adopt quantum-safe algorithms face substantial risks: sensitive data encrypted today could be captured and stored by adversaries until quantum computers become capable of decrypting it. This “harvest now, decrypt later” attack strategy particularly threatens data with long-term value, such as intellectual property, financial records, and national security information.The integration of quantum-resistant methods into cybersecurity plans represents a critical step in maintaining digital security posture. Organizations should view this transition not as a distant concern but as an immediate priority requiring strategic planning and resource allocation.The following points highlight why organizations must take a proactive stance on PQC: Threat timeline uncertainty: While large-scale quantum computers may be years away, cryptographic transitions take substantial time to implement properly. Data longevity considerations: Information requiring long-term protection needs quantum-resistant encryption now. Standards development progress: NIST’s standardization process is well underway, providing viable algorithm options. Infrastructure complexity: Modern cryptographic ecosystems require significant time to update across all components. Competitive advantage: Early adopters gain security positioning advantages over less prepared competitors. Post-Quantum vs. Traditional Cryptography Post-Quantum vs. Traditional Cryptography Traditional cryptography relies heavily on mathematical problems that classical computers find difficult to solve. RSA encryption, for example, bases its security on the challenge of factoring large numbers, while elliptic curve cryptography depends on the discrete logarithm problem. Quantum computers, using Shor’s algorithm, can potentially solve these problems efficiently, rendering these protections obsolete.PQC differs fundamentally from quantum cryptography (quantum key distribution). While quantum cryptography uses quantum mechanical properties for secure communication, PQC uses mathematical algorithms designed to run on conventional computers but resist quantum attacks. Traditional vs. Post-Quantum Cryptographic ApproachesThe following table highlights key differences between traditional cryptographic approaches and post-quantum alternatives:Algorithm TypeComputational ComplexityResistance to Quantum AttacksKey Size RequirementsRSA (Traditional)Based on integer factorizationVulnerable to Shor’s algorithmLarge keys (2048+ bits)ECC (Traditional)Based on elliptic curve discrete logarithmVulnerable to Shor’s algorithmSmaller keys (256-384 bits)Lattice-based (PQC)Based on finding shortest vectors in latticesResistant to known quantum attacksModerate key sizesCode-based (PQC)Based on decoding linear codesResistant to known quantum attacksLarger key sizesHash-based (PQC)Based on properties of cryptographic hash functionsResistant to known quantum attacksStateful signatures with limitationsMany organizations mistakenly believe their current encryption standards will remain secure indefinitely or that quantum threats remain too distant to address. This misconception creates dangerous security gaps. The transition to quantum-safe options requires significant planning and implementation time; organizations waiting until quantum computers break existing encryption will face impossible timelines for secure transitions. Benefits of Implementing PQC Benefits of Implementing PQC Implementing PQC delivers several strategic advantages for organizations concerned with long-term data security. Each benefit directly addresses specific risks associated with the quantum computing revolution.The following benefits highlight the value of adopting quantum-resistant approaches: Enhanced long-term security: PQC provides protection against future quantum computing capabilities, safeguarding data that requires extended confidentiality. Compliance readiness: Forward-thinking regulatory frameworks increasingly recognize quantum threats, with organizations implementing quantum-safe encryption positioned to meet emerging compliance requirements. Protection against data harvesting: Quantum-resistant encryption prevents adversaries from collecting encrypted data now for decryption later when quantum computing becomes available. Simplified future transitions: Organizations that begin quantum-safe implementation early develop expertise and processes that facilitate smoother cryptographic updates. Increased stakeholder confidence: Demonstrating proactive quantum security measures builds trust with customers, partners, and investors concerned about data protection. These benefits collectively support business continuity and risk management in the face of evolving cryptographic threats. How Commvault Supports PQC How Commvault Supports PQC Commvault’s platform enables organizations to integrate PQC into their data protection strategies through comprehensive security capabilities. The solution supports quantum-safe encryption implementation within existing backup and recovery workflows, allowing for adoption without disrupting operations.The platform features automated encryption key management that adapts to evolving cryptographic standards, including quantum-resistant algorithms. This automation reduces the complexity of managing encryption across diverse environments while maintaining robust security controls.Centralized data management capabilities provide visibility and control over cryptographic implementations throughout the organization. This centralization helps reduce operational risk during the transition to quantum-safe methods and supports consistent policy enforcement. Implementation Challenges and Mitigation Strategies Implementation Challenges and Mitigation Strategies Organizations face several challenges when transitioning to post-quantum cryptography. The following table outlines common obstacles and how Commvault’s solutions address them: Implementation ChallengeImpact on OrganizationsCommvault Mitigation StrategyAlgorithm selection complexityDifficulty choosing appropriate quantum-resistant algorithmsPre-validated algorithm options based on NIST recommendationsPerformance overheadPotential processing and storage impacts from new algorithmsOptimized implementation with minimal performance impactLegacy system compatibilityOlder systems may not support new cryptographic standardsCompatibility layers and phased implementation approachesKey management complexityMore complex key lifecycle management requirementsAutomated key management with quantum-safe supportTransition period vulnerabilitiesSecurity gaps during cryptographic migrationHybrid implementation supporting both traditional and quantum-resistant encryption Commvault’s Approach Commvault’s Approach to PQC Implementation Commvault’s approach to PQC implementation includes several technical capabilities that facilitate adoption. The platform’s encryption framework supports cryptographic agility, allowing organizations to update algorithms without changing underlying data protection processes. This agility proves essential during the transition period when standards continue to evolve.The solution’s automated key management system handles the increased complexity of post-quantum keys, including larger key sizes and different mathematical properties. This automation reduces administrative burden while maintaining strict security controls throughout the key lifecycle.Integration with existing authentication systems and certificate authorities enables organizations to implement quantum-safe methods within their current security infrastructure. This integration approach minimizes disruption while providing enhanced protection against emerging quantum threats.The transition to PQC requires careful planning, robust implementation strategies, and expert guidance to maintain data security in a quantum computing future. Organizations must act now to protect their data against both current and emerging quantum threats. The adoption of quantum-resistant encryption methods represents a crucial investment in long-term data security and business continuity. Related Terms Data Encryption A security process that converts readable data into an encoded, unreadable form to protect it from unauthorized access. Learn more Zero Trust Security A security approach that assumes all user activity is untrusted and requires verification before granting access to systems or data. Learn more Cyber Deception A proactive security tactic that uses decoys to detect, divert, and deceive attackers before they can compromise critical systems. Learn more related resources Explore related resources View all resources solution brief Protecting Your Data: Why Post-Quantum Cryptography Matters While the potential of post-quantum cryptography is tantalizing, it also presents an unprecedented threat to our current data security infrastructure. Blog Enhancing Cyber Resiliency for Post-Quantum Computing Learn how Commvault is using NIST’s new HQC algorithm for post-quantum encryption. Blog Future-Proofing Your Data: Post-Quantum Cryptography and Beyond See how to stay ahead of modern threats, including the infamous “harvest now, decrypt later” exfiltration.