The Road to Quantum-Safe Security: What Every Organization Should Know

July 25, 2025



Quantum computing has the potential to revolutionize industries—from accelerating drug discovery to optimizing supply chains. Yet alongside these opportunities lies a serious challenge: today’s encryption, the foundation of digital trust, may not stand against tomorrow’s quantum machines. For leaders responsible for governance, risk, and compliance (GRC), preparing for this shift is no longer optional—it’s a matter of long-term resilience.

Why Quantum Risk Matters Now

Although fully capable quantum computers are not yet available, the risks they pose are already real. Data stolen today can be stored and decrypted later—a strategy known as “harvest now, decrypt later”. For organizations handling sensitive data with long shelf lives—such as financial transactions, healthcare records, or intellectual property—the impact could be devastating.

GRC leaders must view quantum risk as a systemic threat that intersects with every aspect of enterprise security, regulatory alignment, and trust. Acting early ensures organizations won’t be caught unprepared when standards and compliance requirements tighten.

Governance: Institutionalizing Quantum Risk

Strong governance starts with acknowledging quantum risk at the highest levels. Boards, executives, and risk committees should:

  • Define clear roles and responsibilities for quantum security, ensuring accountability spans security, risk, legal, and operations.

  • Establish cryptographic champions to lead awareness efforts and advise on transition strategies.

  • Develop a quantum readiness roadmap with defined milestones, cost estimates, and integration into broader security strategies.

  • Update policies and third-party contracts to reflect new cryptographic requirements and safeguard dependencies across the supply chain.

By embedding quantum considerations into governance structures, organizations avoid treating this as a siloed technical project and instead manage it as part of long-term enterprise resilience.

Risk: Treating Quantum Like Any Other Critical Threat

Quantum risk should not be an afterthought—it belongs alongside existing cyber and operational risks. Effective practices include:

  • Risk assessments that account for data sensitivity and longevity, identifying assets most vulnerable to quantum threats.

  • Incorporation into risk registers so quantum risk is prioritized and tracked like other high-impact risks.

  • Business impact analyses (BIA) to evaluate the consequences of compromised cryptography and to sequence the most critical assets for transition.

  • Vendor risk evaluations, ensuring partners and suppliers are not the weakest link in the quantum security chain.

Organizations that integrate quantum risk into their overall risk management frameworks will be better positioned to adapt, mitigate, and recover when threats materialize.

Compliance: Building Resilience into Standards and Controls

Compliance frameworks are evolving, and regulators are increasingly aware of cryptographic fragility. Proactive organizations can get ahead by:

  • Embedding quantum security into compliance programs and security audits.

  • Aligning with emerging standards for post-quantum cryptography and crypto-agility.

  • Incorporating requirements into product development cycles, ensuring systems can adapt to new algorithms without major redesign.

  • Demonstrating accountability by regularly updating policies and evidence of preparedness for regulators, partners, and customers.

Treating compliance as a driver, rather than a hurdle, helps organizations create defensible, future-proof frameworks that inspire trust and meet evolving obligations.

No single organization can manage quantum risk in isolation. Supply chains, industries, and ecosystems are deeply interconnected. Proactive leaders should engage in cross-industry initiatives, share knowledge through security networks, and collaborate with academia and standards bodies. Collaboration accelerates adoption, prevents fragmentation, and strengthens systemic resilience.

Collaboration: A Shared Responsibility

The Way Forward

Transitioning to quantum-safe security is not about a single upgrade—it’s about building crypto-agility, the ability to adapt quickly as standards evolve and technologies mature. The journey should begin now, with pilot projects, awareness campaigns, and integration of quantum considerations into GRC processes.

Waiting until quantum computers arrive is not an option; the timeline for readiness is shrinking, and the costs of delay could be severe. Organizations that act now will not only protect their critical assets but also position themselves as trusted leaders in a secure quantum economy.

The road to quantum safety is long, but it starts with governance, risk management, and compliance. The organizations that make quantum readiness part of “business as usual” will be the ones that thrive in the era of quantum computing.

Start your journey to quantum safety today. QTrackAQ helps organizations uncover hidden cryptographic risks, build a clear inventory, and prepare for the quantum transition with confidence. Don’t wait for tomorrow’s threats—act now to secure your data, systems, and compliance.