Hi All
The transition to Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC) represents a watershed moment in the history of our digital civilization. Organizations planning for a 3-5 year "upgrade" will fail. The reality is a 10-15-year systemic transformation.
Key Contributions:
📊 Realistic Timeline Estimates by Enterprise Size:
Small (≤500 employees): 5-7 years
Medium (500-5K): 8-12 years
Large (>5K): 12-15+ years
⚠️ Critical Finding: With FTQC expected 2028-2033, large enterprises face a 3-5 year vulnerability window—migration may not complete before quantum computers break RSA/ECC.
🔬 Novel Framework Analysis:
Causal dependency mapping (HSM certification, partner coordination as critical paths)
"Zombie algorithm" maintenance overhead quantified (20-40%)
Zero Trust Architecture implications for PQC
💡 Practical Guidance: Crypto-agility frameworks and phased migration strategies for immediate action.
Strategic Recommendations for Leadership:
1. Prioritize by Data Value, Not System Criticality: Invert the traditional triage model. Systems protecting long-lived data (IP, PII, Secrets) must migrate first, regardless of their operational uptime criticality, to mitigate SNDL.
2. Fund the "Invisible" Infrastructure: Budget immediately for the expansion of PKI repositories, bandwidth upgrades, and HSM replacements. These are long-lead items that cannot be rushed.
3. Establish a Crypto-Competency Center: Do not rely solely on generalist security staff. Invest in specialized training or retain dedicated PQC counsel to navigate the mathematical and implementation nuances. The talent shortage will only worsen.
4. Demand Vendor Roadmaps: Contractual language must shift. Procurement should require vendors to provide binding roadmaps for PQC support. "We are working on it" is no longer an acceptable answer for critical supply chain partners.
5. Embrace Hybridity: Accept that the future is hybrid. Design architectures that can support dual-stack cryptography indefinitely, viewing it not as a temporary bridge but as a long-term operational state.
6. Implement Automated Discovery: You cannot migrate what you cannot see. Deploy automated cryptographic discovery tools to continuously map the cryptographic posture of the estate, identifying shadow IT and legacy instances that manual surveys miss.
www.mdpi.com/2073-431X/15/1/9
Regards
Caute_Cautim
