Digital signatures are at the core of online security. They make sure that the data you receive is genuine and has not been tampered with. For decades, RSA and ECC (Elliptic Curve Cryptography) have been the leading digital signature algorithms. But the rise of quantum computing threatens to break both of them. To prepare for this, the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has selected new algorithms under its Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC) standardization process. Among them, ML-DSA has been chosen as the future standard for digital signatures. 

Why RSA and ECC Need Replacing?

RSA’s security relies on the difficulty of factoring large integers. The fastest known general-purpose classical algorithm for factoring large integers is the General Number Field Sieve (GNFS), which runs in sub-exponential time. In contrast, Shor’s algorithm factors integers in polynomial time on a quantum computer, meaning that RSA would be completely broken if scalable, fault-tolerant quantum computers are ever built. 

Elliptic Curve Cryptography (ECC) is based on the hardness of the elliptic curve discrete logarithm problem. Pollard’s rho is the fastest known general-purpose classical attack on ECDLP, and it runs in exponential time relative to the key size. Shor’s algorithm, however, can solve discrete logarithms in polynomial time on a quantum computer, leaving ECC just as vulnerable as RSA in the quantum era.

Larger key sizes do not solve the problem, since the quantum algorithms remain efficient regardless of key length. This means RSA and ECC could be broken, leaving digital signatures vulnerable. 

What Is ML-DSA?

ML-DSA (Module Lattice–based Digital Signature Algorithm) is a post-quantum digital signature scheme derived from the CRYSTALS-Dilithium project. It relies on the hardness of lattice-based problems, specifically Module-LWE (Learning With Errors) and Module-SIS (Short Integer Solution). According to NIST, ML-DSA is believed to be secure even in the presence of large-scale quantum computers, based on current cryptanalysis.    

These mathematical problems are considered resistant to attacks from both classical and quantum computers, making ML-DSA a strong candidate to secure digital signatures in the coming decades. Here are some reasons for this consideration: 

• Quantum-Safe Security

  Lattice problems (like LWE, Ring-LWE, SVP) are believed to be resistant to quantum algorithms such as Shor’s and Grover’s, making them strong candidates for PQC. These problems involve finding hidden structures within high-dimensional lattices (grids of points).

  While the best-known algorithms for solving them run in exponential or sub-exponential time and as the lattice parameters increase, solving them becomes practically impossible at cryptographic sizes. Lattice-based schemes (e.g., ML-KEM for encryption and ML-DSA for signatures) were finalized by NIST as PQC standards, giving them credibility and industry adoption momentum.

• Simplicity over Complexity

  Some post-quantum schemes rely on advanced algebraic structures like multivariate polynomials or massive hash-based constructions. These can be difficult to implement and optimize securely. ML-DSA, in contrast, uses hash functions, modular arithmetic, and structured randomness, well-understood tools that make the scheme easier to implement, audit, and maintain across platforms.

• Cross-Platform Usability

  It is optimized to run efficiently on a wide range of devices, from servers and laptops to constrained environments like embedded systems and IoT hardware. Unlike other PQC alternatives, ML-DSA does not require specialized accelerators or custom hardware, making adoption simpler and more practical across diverse platforms.

• Side-channel awareness

  ML-DSA takes side-channel security seriously. To limit the chances of leaking sensitive information, it avoids common pitfalls such as:

  1. Floating-point arithmetic, which can introduce timing variations exploitable by attackers.
  2. Secret-dependent branching, where execution timing could reveal private key bits.
  3. Irregular memory access, which attackers can monitor through cache behavior.

  Instead, ML-DSA sticks to constant-time, integer-based operations, keeping its execution predictable and reducing the kinds of subtle leaks that often trip up more complex cryptographic designs.

• Implementation Practicality & Performance

  Despite larger key sizes than RSA/ECC, lattice-based schemes remain computationally efficient and practical for deployment. Their balance of performance, security, and flexibility makes them strong candidates for real-world applications like secure messaging, IoT, and digital infrastructure. One of ML-DSA’s biggest strengths is performance, it is much faster at signing and verification than hash-based options like SPHINCS+. This speed makes it a practical choice for real-world use cases such as high-volume authentication and secure communications.

ML-DSA (Crystals Dilithium) Parameter Sets

Key Features of ML-DSA

1. Post-Quantum Security

   ML-DSA is built on lattice-based cryptography, a branch of cryptography that leverages the mathematical structure of lattices and is believed to be secure against both classical and quantum attacks. It is specifically designed to withstand attacks from large-scale quantum computers.

2. Standardized by NIST

   In 2024, NIST standardized ML-DSA as the primary digital signature algorithm for post-quantum cryptography in their FIPS 204 document. This makes it the official replacement for RSA and ECC in most applications.

3. Practical Efficiency

   ML-DSA delivers fast signing and verification, outperforming several other post-quantum alternatives that trade speed for security. Its key and signature sizes, while larger than ECC, remain far more manageable than bulkier schemes like SPHINCS+. Built on a straightforward integer-based design, ML-DSA is easier to implement securely, reducing risks of bugs and side-channel leaks, making it a highly practical choice for real-world deployment.

Comparing RSA, ECC, and ML-DSA

Why ML-DSA Is the Future?

The U.S. federal government estimates that $7.1 billion will be spent between 2025 and 2035 to update systems currently using RSA and ECC signatures. A significant portion of this investment will be directed toward deploying ML-DSA for digital signatures. NIST has also announced that by 2030, classical digital signature algorithms like RSA, ECDSA, and EdDSA will be deprecated. By 2035, they will be completely disallowed in federal systems. 

ML-DSA, derived from CRYSTALS-Dilithium, has been standardized as the primary replacement for these signatures. Some key reasons why ML-DSA is the future are: 

1. It prepares our digital security for the future as it protects against both classical and quantum attacks. 
2. ML-DSA is backed by NIST, ensuring global adoption. 
3. ML-DSA has a wide applicability. It can be integrated into software, firmware, and hardware systems to secure communications, code signing, and sensitive data. 

How Can Encryption Consulting Help?

Getting started with post-quantum signatures can feel overwhelming with new algorithms, larger key sizes, complex integrations, and compliance requirements all at once. That’s where we step in. 

At EC, we’ve built solutions that make adopting ML-DSA simple. Our CodeSign Secure platform supports ML-DSA natively, along with other NIST-approved algorithms. Whether you’re signing software, firmware, documents, or certificates, we handle the technical heavy lifting so your team can focus on delivery. 

Here’s what you get with our CodeSign Secure: 

• Seamless ML-DSA support in signing workflows 
• Easy integration with existing PKI and HSM setups 
• Automation hooks for CI/CD pipelines 
• Secure key storage options 
• Audit-ready compliance trails 

If your team wants to test or deploy post-quantum signatures without reinventing the wheel, we can help. Start small, experiment, and scale at your own pace.  And if you’re still unsure where to begin, our PQC Advisory Services can help. From discovery to deployment, we guide you through every stage of post-quantum migration, mapping your cryptographic assets, designing tailored strategies, evaluating vendors, and supporting smooth implementation with ML-DSA and other NIST-approved algorithms. 

Reach out to us at [email protected] and let us build a customized roadmap that aligns with your organization’s specific needs.  

Conclusion

RSA and ECC have served as the foundation of digital signatures for decades, but the quantum era demands stronger protection. ML-DSA provides that protection, offering a secure and standardized solution for the future. By adopting ML-DSA, organizations can ensure their digital signatures remain trustworthy in the post-quantum world. 

To make sure that this transition to post-quantum algorithms goes smoothly, expert and experienced guidance is key. At Encryption Consulting, we’re committed to helping you move forward with clarity, confidence, and a strategy tailored to your goals. Let’s get started and ensure your organization is protected, not only today, but well into the future. 

The Quantum Threat to Cryptography

Quantum computing promises to solve complex problems beyond the reach of classical machines. Unfortunately, one of those “complex problems” is the very foundation of our digital security. Today’s public-key cryptographic systems, like RSA and elliptic-curve cryptography (ECC), rely on mathematical problems that are practically infeasible for normal computers to solve (e.g., factoring large integers or computing discrete logarithms).

Quantum algorithms (such as Shor’s algorithm) running on a future cryptographically relevant quantum computer (CRQC) could crack these problems efficiently, breaking the encryption that protects everything from online banking transactions to encrypted financial records. In other words, the quantum revolution could also mean a revolution in hacking capabilities, rendering current security standards obsolete almost overnight. How soon could this “Q-Day”, the day when a quantum computer can break our cryptography, arrive? No one can predict the exact timeline, but experts warn it may be on the horizon. Some projections suggest that within a decade a powerful enough quantum device could exist to threaten current encryption methods.

Financial institutions, which depend on strong encryption for secure transactions and confidential communications, cannot afford to be complacent. The harvest now, decrypt later threat is real, attackers can intercept and store encrypted data today, with plans to decrypt it once quantum capabilities become available. Sensitive financial data (customer information, transaction records, payment instructions, etc.) that might remain confidential for years must be protected against not just present threats but future quantum-enabled breaches.

Why the Finance Industry Must Act Now

For banks, insurance companies, payment processors, and other financial institutions, the stakes couldn’t be higher. The finance sector is built on trust and security, customers expect their transactions and personal data to remain private and tamper-proof. An adversary with a quantum computer could potentially forge digital signatures (impersonating banks or customers), decrypt sensitive communications, or even retrospectively unlock years’ worth of encrypted transactions.

Even though large-scale quantum computers capable of these attacks do not exist yet, the time to prepare is now. Transitioning cryptographic infrastructure is a massive undertaking, similar to the multi-year migrations from SHA-1 to SHA-2 hashes or from older TLS versions to modern protocols. But the quantum shift is an even larger paradigm change, affecting nearly every aspect of security. Financial IT leaders must recognize that starting preparations early is essential to avoid chaos and disruption to critical systems once quantum attacks become feasible. Cryptographic agility, the ability to swap out cryptographic algorithms quickly, should become a priority design principle in banking systems moving forward.

Regulators and government agencies are also sounding the alarm. In the United States, a 2022 National Security Memorandum (NSM-10) and related directives set the expectation for a “timely and equitable transition” to quantum-resistant cryptography across all federal agencies. The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has explicitly encouraged organizations to begin migrating to post-quantum cryptography as soon as possible.

In tandem, the U.S. National Security Agency updated its guidance (CNSA 2.0) to mandate that vendors and agencies working with national security systems implement quantum-safe encryption by 2030, with quantum-resistant solutions in some cases expected to be available by 2026. While finance industry companies are primarily in the private sector, these government mandates signal the urgency of the issue, and similar expectations are likely to be reflected in financial regulatory guidance.

NIST and Timeline and Guidance for Transition

Transitioning an entire industry’s cryptography is not something that happens overnight. Recognizing this, NIST and other standards bodies have outlined roadmaps to guide the migration. According to NIST’s draft transition guidance (NIST IR 8547), widely used public-key algorithms, RSA (for encryption and signatures), ECC (ECDSA/ECDH), DSA, and related schemes, should be phased out this decade. In fact, 2030 is being targeted as a deadline to deprecate legacy quantum-vulnerable encryption and signature algorithms, and 2035 is envisioned as the point by which they are fully disallowed except for historical use.

This suggests that by 2030, financial institutions should have quantum-resistant options in place for all new systems and be well into replacements for older ones, and by 2035, the old algorithms might no longer be permitted in production for sensitive applications. NIST’s roadmap includes timelines for gradually restricting and then forbidding the use of vulnerable algorithms, ensuring the industry isn’t caught unprepared when quantum breakthroughs occur.

NIST is also providing technical guidance on how to migrate. Their publications (such as the NIST Post-Quantum Cryptography Migration playbook and practice guides) emphasize steps like conducting a cryptographic inventory, prioritizing which systems to upgrade first, and adopting hybrid solutions during the transition. In a hybrid cryptography approach, for example, one might use both a traditional algorithm and a post-quantum algorithm in tandem (so that if either one remains secure, the data is safe). This can add protection now without waiting until PQC is fully standardized everywhere.

Indeed, NIST and experts recommend starting with hybrid deployments and proofs-of-concept to test PQC implementations, so that the eventual cut-over to exclusive PQC is smoother and free of nasty surprises. Migration will involve updates to protocols and infrastructure, everything from TLS and VPN standards to core banking software and hardware security modules may need upgrades to support larger keys or new cryptographic operations. Early testing and staged deployment are crucial, as is staying engaged with industry consortia and standards groups to ensure interoperability issues are resolved.

Fig : Sneak-peek to timeline

Planning the Transition to PQC in Financial Institutions

For CISOs, CIOs, and business leaders in finance industry, preparing for the quantum shift can seem overwhelming. However, by breaking down the challenge into manageable steps, organizations can start moving toward a quantum-safe posture today. Here is a roadmap to consider:

• Raise Awareness

  Begin by educating executive leadership and stakeholders about the quantum threat and its implications. Use trustworthy sources, such as NIST guidelines, to explain that this is a when, not if, scenario. Gaining budget and support for a multi-year cryptographic transition program is much easier once leaders understand the existential risk to data and trust. Many financial firms are establishing internal task forces or working groups focused on quantum risk management.

• Cryptographic Inventory

  You can’t protect if you don’t know you have. Catalog all the places where cryptography is used in your organization’s systems and products. This includes obvious areas like TLS/SSL for websites, VPNs, secure messaging, code signing, and data encryption (at-rest and in-transit), as well as embedded cryptography in applications, databases, mobile apps, and even third-party services. Identify which algorithms are in use (e.g., RSA-2048, ECDSA P-256, etc.) and which systems or applications depend on them. This inventory sets the foundation for planning the replacement of vulnerable algorithms. A Cryptographic discovery tool can help scan and create a detailed Crypto inventory. 

• Risk Assessment and Data Classification

  Not all data is equal. Determine which sensitive data would cause the most damage if decrypted or forged by an adversary in the future. For instance, long-lived sensitive financial records, confidential M&A documents, or customer PII that must remain private for decades are high priority – these must be secured against “harvest now, decrypt later” tactics. Assess which systems are most critical to protect and which might be targeted first (public-facing systems with valuable data are prime candidates). This risk-based view will help prioritize where to implement PQC first or which cryptographic systems to upgrade sooner.

• Develop a Migration Strategy and Timeline

  Using the inventory and risk assessment, chart a strategy for phasing in post-quantum algorithms. Identify quick wins, such as systems that can be easily switched to PQC via software updates, and harder cases that may require vendor support or new hardware. Aim to follow the guidance timeline (with major transitions in place by 2030), but build in buffers for testing and parallel runs. A typical strategy might involve first deploying hybrid solutions (combining classical and PQC algorithms) in one to two critical areas as pilots.

  For example, a bank might start by implementing a PQC-based VPN or secure communication link internally, while still retaining classical encryption as a backup. This allows real-world testing of performance and compatibility.

  Over time, expand these pilots and increase the proportion of traffic or systems using PQC. However, a hybrid solution does come with its own challenges, these include higher computational and bandwidth demands, interoperability issues with legacy systems and evolving standards, and increased complexity in key management due to larger key and certificate sizes. Additionally, governance frameworks and operational procedures must be updated to reflect hybrid deployments, while extensive testing is required to ensure reliability and resilience across applications and infrastructure.

• Upgrade Infrastructure and Applications

  Work closely with your IT teams and vendors to incorporate PQC support. This could involve updating libraries (for example, using a TLS library that supports post-quantum cipher suites), deploying firmware updates for hardware security modules (HSMs) that incorporate PQC algorithms, or ensuring your public key infrastructure (PKI) can issue quantum-safe certificates. Many vendors will release patches or new versions that are “quantum-ready”; track these and schedule them into your IT roadmap. When off-the-shelf solutions are not yet available, consider using open-source implementations of PQC algorithms for interim testing purposes. Ensure new procurement requests include requirements for quantum-resistant security, so new systems you buy in 2025 or 2026 don’t add more technical debt to fix later.

• Testing and Validation at Every Step

  Don’t just flip the switch one day in 2030. Testing is crucial because PQC algorithms are newer and in some cases have larger key sizes or heavier computation needs, which could impact performance. Set up a test environment or pilot projects to measure the performance and compatibility of PQC implementations under your specific workloads. For example, how does a lattice-based key exchange affect the latency of high-frequency trading communications? Does a new signature algorithm fit within the size limits of your smart card chips or authentication tokens? Early testing will uncover any issues (perhaps requiring optimization or even a different algorithm choice) while the stakes are low.

• Ensure Crypto-Agility

  A key lesson from this transition is that crypto agility is vital. Design systems so that algorithms can be swapped out or added via configuration, not hardcoded. This way, if one PQC algorithm is later found to be weaker than thought or if an even better standard emerges, you can update without a complete overhaul. Many organizations are establishing a “Cryptography Center of Excellence” to govern such practices, maintain expertise, and oversee the rollout of new cryptographic tech enterprise-wide. For a financial institution, this governance will ensure consistency and compliance as regulations evolve.

• Training and Incident Readiness

  Finally, invest in skills and incident planning. Train your cybersecurity teams on quantum threat concepts and PQC implementation. The transition period will likely involve a mix of algorithms in use; staff should be familiar with both the old and the new. Update incident response plans to consider quantum related threats (e.g., what if an attacker claims to have cracked RSA, how would you validate and respond?). While actual “quantum hacks” may be years away, preparing now by running tabletop exercises can be enlightening. It ensures that when the day comes, your institution won’t be scrambling; you’ll have a plan in place.

How can EC support PQC transition?

If you are wondering where and how to begin your post-quantum journey, Encryption Consulting is here to support you. You can count on us as your trusted partner, and we will guide you through every step with clarity, confidence, and real-world expertise.  

Cryptographic Discovery and Inventory

This is the foundational phase where we build visibility into your existing cryptographic infrastructure. We identify which systems are at risk from quantum threats and assess how ready your current setup is, including your PKI, HSMs, and applications. The goal is to identify what cryptographic assets exist, where they are used, and how critical they are. Comprehensive scanning of certificates, cryptographic keys, algorithms, libraries, and protocols across your IT environment, including endpoints, applications, APIs, network devices, databases, and embedded systems.

Identification of all systems (on-prem, cloud, hybrid) utilizing cryptography, such as authentication servers, HSMs, load balancers, VPNs, and more. Gathering key metadata like algorithm types, key sizes, expiration dates, issuance sources, and certificate chains. Building a detailed inventory database of all cryptographic components to serve as the baseline for risk assessment and planning.

PQC Impact Assessment

Once visibility is established, we conduct interviews with key stakeholders to assess the cryptographic landscape for quantum vulnerability and evaluate how prepared your environment is for PQC transition. Analyzing cryptographic elements for exposure to quantum threats, particularly those relying on RSA, ECC, and other soon-to-be-broken algorithms. Reviewing how Public Key Infrastructure and Hardware Security Modules are configured, and whether they support post-quantum algorithm integration. Analyzing applications for hardcoded cryptographic dependencies and identifying those requiring refactoring. Delivering a detailed report with an inventory of vulnerable cryptographic assets, risk severity ratings, and prioritization for migration.

PQC Strategy & Roadmap

With risks identified, we work with you to develop a custom, phased migration strategy that aligns with your business, technical, and regulatory requirements. Creating a tailored PQC adoption strategy that reflects your risk appetite, industry best practices, and future-proofing needs. Designing systems and workflows to support easy switching of cryptographic algorithms as standards evolve. Updating security policies, key management procedures, and internal compliance rules to align with NIST and NSA (CNSA 2.0) recommendations. Crafting a step-by-step migration roadmap with short-, medium-, and long-term goals, broken down into manageable phases such as pilot, hybrid deployment, and full implementation.

Vendor Evaluation & Proof of Concept

At this stage, we help you identify and test the right tools, technologies, and partners that can support your post-quantum goals. Helping you define technical and business requirements for RFIs/RFPs, including algorithm support, integration compatibility, performance, and vendor maturity. Identifying top vendors offering PQC-capable PKI, key management, and cryptographic solutions. Running PoC tests in isolated environments to evaluate performance, ease of integration, and overall fit for your use cases. Delivering a vendor comparison matrix and recommendation report based on real-world PoC findings.

Pilot Testing & Scaling

Before full implementation, we validate everything through controlled pilots to ensure real-world viability and minimize business disruption. Testing the new cryptographic models in a sandbox or non-production environment, typically for one or two applications. Validating interoperability with existing systems, third-party dependencies, and legacy components. Gathering feedback from IT teams, security architects, and business units to fine-tune the plan. Once everything is tested successfully, we support a smooth, scalable rollout, replacing legacy cryptographic algorithms step by step, minimizing disruption, and ensuring systems remain secure and compliant. We continue to monitor performance and provide ongoing optimization to keep your quantum defense strong, efficient, and future-ready.

PQC Implementation

Once the plan is in place, it is time to put it into action. This is the final stage where we execute the full-scale migration, integrating PQC into your live environment while ensuring compliance and continuity. Implementing hybrid models that combine classical and quantum-safe algorithms to maintain backward compatibility during transition. Rolling out PQC support across your PKI, applications, infrastructure, cloud services, and APIs. Providing hands-on training for your teams along with detailed technical documentation for ongoing maintenance. Setting up monitoring systems and lifecycle management processes to track cryptographic health, detect anomalies, and support future upgrades.

Transitioning to quantum-safe cryptography is a big step, but you do not have to take it alone. With Encryption Consulting by your side, you will have the right guidance and expertise needed to build resilient, future-ready security posture. 

Reach out to us at [email protected] and let us build a customized roadmap that aligns with your organization’s specific needs.  

Conclusion

The quantum shift is coming, and with it, a need to retool the security foundations of the finance industry. Transitioning to post-quantum cryptography will be a complex, multi-year journey, but it also presents an opportunity for organizations to modernize their security, enhance cryptographic agility, and strengthen customer trust in the face of emerging threats. Financial institutions that act with urgency and deliberation, guided by NIST standards, government timelines, and industry best practices, can ensure that their clients’ data remains secure both today and in the post-quantum era. The task is not just a technical one; it’s a strategic business imperative. As our CEO says, “the countdown has begun, and today is a good time to start protecting your data with quantum-resistant encryption.” By investing in quantum-safe solutions and practices now, banks and financial firms will be well prepared to welcome the quantum age as a breakthrough for innovation, not a breakdown of security. The race is to be quantum-ready, and the finance sector must lead from the front to safeguard the integrity of global financial systems for decades to come.

Quantum computing has moved beyond academic discussion and into real-world preparation. Whether the timeline is five years or fifteen, the security community agrees on one thing: we must begin the preparation for transition to quantum-resistant cryptography now, not later. For CISOs, this shift represents both a technical and strategic challenge that spans technology, governance, vendor management, and long-term data protection.

Why This Matters Now

The idea that powerful adversaries are already collecting encrypted data today, waiting for the quantum capability to decrypt it tomorrow, has become a serious concern. This method, often described in the industry as “harvest now, decrypt later,” targets sensitive information with long-term value: healthcare records, legal communications, national security intelligence, or intellectual property that may still be valuable in a decade. The risk here is subtle but significant. If quantum computers eventually succeed in breaking RSA and ECC algorithms, any data protected by those methods will retroactively become readable.

In fig 1, Each level represents a different stage organizations should move through as they progress toward full readiness:

Level 1 – Awareness:

Organizations at this stage are just beginning to understand the risks posed by quantum computing. They are learning what “harvest now, decrypt later” means and starting conversations about PQC, but have no structured plan in place yet.

Level 2 – Assessment:

Here, organizations begin to take stock of their cryptographic assets. They identify what algorithms, keys, and certificates are in use, and evaluate which systems are most vulnerable to quantum threats. This stage is heavily focused on discovery and risk assessment.

Level 3 – Planning:

At this level, organizations start building a formal roadmap for migration. This includes engaging with vendors, choosing quantum-resistant algorithms (once standardized), and creating policies around crypto-agility so systems can adapt more quickly.

Level 4 – Implementation:

The final stage involves actually deploying post-quantum algorithms and replacing legacy cryptography across the enterprise. It requires close coordination across IT, security, and compliance teams to ensure business continuity and minimal disruption.

But it’s not just data confidentiality at stake. Digital signatures, code integrity, firmware updates, and secure device onboarding all rely on asymmetric cryptography. If these mechanisms can be forged, the security of your entire supply chain could unravel. The quantum threat is less about a single catastrophic event and more about the quiet erosion of trust in the digital systems we depend on daily.

What Preparedness Looks Like?

For security leaders, the first phase of preparedness isn’t technology, it’s visibility. Most organizations lack a full picture of where cryptography is used within their environment. Public-key cryptography touches everything from TLS connections and VPN tunnels to email gateways and mobile apps. If you haven’t conducted a cryptographic inventory in the past year, or ever, it’s nearly impossible to manage the risk effectively.

A cryptographic inventory should go beyond just certificates. It must include applications, libraries, protocols, and systems that use or enforce cryptography. This often involves scanning internal applications and APIs, identifying hard-coded algorithms, and working with developers and architects to understand dependencies. Several tools can assist with this, including code scanners and specialized discovery platforms.

Once you’ve achieved visibility of your cryptographic assets and landscape, the next goal is agility. Cryptographic agility refers to the ability to swap algorithms without rewriting or re-architecting entire systems. Sounds simple, but in practice, it’s one of the most difficult aspects of this transition. Many legacy systems are not designed with modular cryptography in mind, which means even minor algorithm changes can introduce operational risk.

This is where the post-quantum transition intersects with broader IT strategy. Making your infrastructure agile doesn’t just benefit quantum resistance, it improves your ability to respond to any cryptographic vulnerability, whether it’s discovered next week or next decade. Agility also allows you to test new quantum-safe algorithms alongside traditional ones, a process commonly referred to as hybrid cryptography.

Hybrid Cryptography: A Practical First Step

Hybrid cryptography is quickly becoming the industry’s preferred strategy for initial implementation. Instead of replacing RSA or ECC outright, hybrid models allow for two algorithms, typically one classical and one quantum-resistant to work together. This creates a safety net during the migration phase. If one algorithm is broken or fails validation, the other provides continued protection.

Leading organizations are already rolling out hybrid solutions. Google Cloud has deployed hybrid key exchange in its Key Management Service, combining elliptic curve cryptography with CRYSTALS-Kyber. Cisco has been piloting hybrid TLS using Kyber in real-world scenarios. Cloudflare, another major player, has committed to PQC support in its Zero Trust product suite by 2025. These are not theoretical proofs-of-concept, they’re live implementations meant to be tested, scaled, and refined.

For organizations still early in their journey, starting with hybrid deployments in lower-risk environments such as internal development, test labs, or partner pilot programs that can provide valuable experience and help identify operational challenges before a broader rollout.

Building a Governance Model Around PQC

Quantum preparedness is not purely a technical initiative. It demands engagement from governance, legal, risk, and procurement functions. CISOs must help translate cryptographic risk into enterprise risk, a language that resonates with the board and executive stakeholders.

This includes aligning PQC with risk registers, building it into business continuity strategies, and incorporating it into M&A due diligence, vendor risk assessments, and regulatory planning. If you’re in a regulated industry, such as financial services or healthcare, quantum-readiness is likely to become a compliance issue within the next few years. NIST has already selected Kyber, Dilithium, Falcon, and SPHINCS+ as the first standardized PQC algorithms. With FIPS publications expected in 2025, organizations bound by federal, or industry requirements should already be reviewing their roadmaps.

Engaging your vendors is a necessary part of this governance process. Begin asking about post-quantum cryptography in RFPs and vendor assessments. Seek clarity on timelines, support for hybrid modes, and whether the vendor is planning to meet upcoming compliance benchmarks. If third-party services are managing cryptographic operations, especially in cloud environments. It’s critical to understand how and when they plan to adapt.

Executing a Long-Term Transition Plan

The most successful transitions to PQC will be gradual, deliberate, and iterative. This is not a wholesale rip-and-replace. Instead, think of it as a phased maturity model.

Start with systems where cryptographic transitions are lower risk: development pipelines, internal APIs, service-to-service communication. Then expand outward, layering PQC protections into your certificate authority, identity systems, email, mobile apps, and public-facing services.

Your long-term roadmap should include the following elements: establishing metrics for quantum readiness (e.g., percentage of systems with hybrid cryptography enabled), scheduling periodic reviews of vendor alignment, maintaining a central cryptographic inventory, and running internal tabletop exercises that simulate the failure of current cryptographic standards. These activities help normalize PQC across your organization’s culture—not just its codebase.

Fig 2 lays out the expected timeline for PQC migration, from today through 2035:

Now – Data Harvesting is Underway:

Adversaries are already collecting encrypted data with the intention of decrypting it once quantum computers become powerful enough. This means the clock is already ticking, even if practical quantum threats are still years away.

2025 – NIST Standards Finalized:

The U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is finalizing the official post-quantum cryptographic algorithms. These standards will serve as the foundation for global adoption.

2028 – Early Compliance Pressure:

According to the UK’s National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), organizations will begin to feel regulatory and compliance pressure to adopt PQC. Industries such as finance, defense, and healthcare may face earlier mandates due to their sensitivity.

2035 – Target for Full PQC Migration:

By this point, organizations are expected to have fully transitioned to PQC. While it may seem far off, large-scale cryptographic migrations often take a decade or more, which makes it critical to start planning today. This timeline underscores the urgency: while the final deadline may be 10 years away, the work to prepare needs to start now.

Key Takeaways

It’s important to view the quantum shift not as an isolated event, but as a transformational phase in digital trust. The decisions we make now, about architecture, standards, vendor selection, and risk management will shape the future of enterprise security in a post-quantum world.

Preparedness is not about predicting the exact year when quantum computers will break today’s encryption. It’s about ensuring your organization is structured to adapt when it happens. That kind of resilience doesn’t begin with panic or passive observation, it begins with leadership.

For CISOs, this is a moment of clarity. The post-quantum future is coming, and our responsibility is to meet it with a plan, not just for survival, but for strategic advantage.

How Encryption Consulting Can Help?

At Encryption Consulting, we help organizations navigate the complexity of post-quantum preparedness with a proven, structured approach:

• Cryptographic Assessments & Inventory: We provide discovery services to help CISOs gain complete visibility into where cryptography is used across their environments, covering certificates, applications, APIs, and embedded systems.
• Roadmap Development: Our experts design phased transition strategies tailored to your business priorities, ensuring PQC adoption aligns with governance, compliance, and operational requirements.
• Hybrid Cryptography Implementations: We assist in deploying hybrid approaches that combine classical and quantum-safe algorithms, allowing organizations to test, validate, and scale PQC solutions without business disruption.
• Governance & Compliance Alignment: From building governance models to embedding PQC into risk registers and regulatory planning, we help CISOs translate cryptographic risks into enterprise risks the board can understand.
• Documentation & Support: We deliver end-to-end documentation for build processes, firmware upgrades, cryptographic inventories, and key ceremony procedures to ensure operational excellence and audit readiness.

Whether your organization is in the early stages of PQC exploration or already running hybrid cryptography pilots, Encryption Consulting provides the expertise, tools, and frameworks to ensure a secure and seamless transition.

Conclusion

Quantum computing represents one of the most disruptive forces cybersecurity has ever faced. The shift to post-quantum cryptography isn’t simply a technical upgrade, it’s a fundamental transformation of how organizations protect data, maintain trust, and build resilience for the decades ahead. For CISOs, the task is clear: develop visibility into cryptographic assets, build agility into IT and security infrastructures, and align governance and risk management processes with this new reality. Those who act early will not only protect against tomorrow’s threats but also gain a strategic advantage in resilience and trustworthiness. The quantum era is approaching, and the time to prepare is now.