4 Quantum Computing Threats: How Secure Are Your Systems?

With the rapid advancement of quantum computing, organizations must prepare for a paradigm shift in cybersecurity. Superior quantum computers could attack asymmetric cryptography, omnipresent on the Internet and in the digital world today, used for electronic signatures, online communication, and digital identity verification.

The crypto system uses an algorithm to generate a key pair; only the public key is transmitted over the Internet. The connection between the private and public key is established using complex mathematical operations that are difficult to reverse. This can be, for example, the multiplication of very large prime numbers. This calculation is simple. However, the reverse prime factorization of the result is very complex. Encryptions used today are based on the fact that the most potent conventional computers cannot perform such calculations in a reasonable amount of time. However, this could change with the arrival of quantum computers, which would suddenly make it possible to break public key infrastructure.

Here are the most critical challenges that quantum computing poses:

1. SSL/TLS Encryption Could Be Broken

SSL/TLS protocols are the backbone of secure communication, protecting sensitive data in web transactions, emails, and messaging apps. However, quantum computers could efficiently solve the complex mathematical problems that underpin these encryption methods, rendering them obsolete. This would allow attackers to intercept and decrypt confidential communications, exposing sensitive business data, financial transactions, and personal messages. IT professionals must evaluate quantum-resistant encryption protocols like post-quantum TLS to maintain secure communications.

2. Electronically Signed Contracts May Become Worthless

Electronic signatures ensure the integrity and authenticity of digital contracts and electronic documents. The highest security level—qualified electronic signatures (QES)—relies on public-key cryptography, which quantum computers might be able to break if conventional algorithms are used. If this happens, attackers could forge signatures, alter agreements, or invalidate previously signed contracts—leading to legal disputes and compliance violations. Organizations that rely on electronic signatures must transition to quantum-safe digital signature solutions to maintain legal security. Trust Service Providers play a crucial role in this transformation; they are in charge of implementing quantum-ready hardware that can be updated with secure quantum-proof algorithms when necessary.

3. eID Systems Could Be Compromised

Electronic identification (eID) systems are widely used for secure authentication in banking, healthcare, and government services. These systems depend on cryptographic keys to verify identities. A quantum attack could allow malicious actors to fake identities, bypass authentication mechanisms, and gain unauthorized access to sensitive systems. This threatens user privacy and national security, as critical infrastructures rely on digital identity frameworks. IT security teams must prepare for post-quantum authentication methods to mitigate this risk.

4. Secure Software Updates Could Be Tampered

Software updates are digitally signed to verify their authenticity and prevent tampering. However, if quantum computing breaks current cryptographic signatures, attackers could inject malicious updates that seem to be legitimate into critical systems. This could result in supply chain attacks, system takeovers, and large-scale cybersecurity incidents. Software organizations should begin evaluating quantum-resistant code-signing mechanisms to protect software distribution channels.

How Can IT Professionals Prepare?

Assess current encryption methods and identify vulnerabilities.
Stay informed about NIST’s post-quantum cryptography standards.
Implement the Agile Crypto approach in your software development and integrate post-quantum crypto algorithms.
Transition to quantum-resistant digital signatures for eID, contracts, and secure communications.
Check for quantum-ready Trust Service Providers.

Curious to learn more about the background of post-quantum cryptography? Download our free whitepaper here, which includes a detailed Trust Service Provider checklist.

Do you have any questions? Contact us!

Customer success stories

Customer success stories

4 Quantum Computing Threats: How Secure Are Your Systems?

1. SSL/TLS Encryption Could Be Broken

2. Electronically Signed Contracts May Become Worthless

3. eID Systems Could Be Compromised

4. Secure Software Updates Could Be Tampered

How Can IT Professionals Prepare?

More trust blog articles

4 Quantum Computing Threats: How...

FAQ: NIS2 Implementation in the EU

Electrical Prosumers Need Secure...

Watt Could Go Wrong? 3 Potential...