Understanding Quantum Cyber Risk: What It Means for Your Mission

On Wednesday, November 4, INSA and the INSA Foundation held a half-day workshop, Understanding Quantum Cyber Risk: What It Means for Your Mission. Underwritten by Deloitte, the program was designed for non-technical professionals and offered practical insights into how organizations can prepare their cybersecurity practices for advances in quantum computing. 

Following a networking lunch, Dr. Colin Soutar (Managing Director, Cyber, Deloitte) moderated a panel discussion featuring Dominic Saebeler (Sr. Associate Director, Information Trust Institute, University of Illinois) and Matthew Scholl (Cybersecurity Consultant). The panelists noted that although no quantum computer yet exists that can break today’s encryption, the field has moved from theory to engineering. They urged organizations to act now, as federal standards will phase out older encryption algorithms in favor of quantum-resistant (post-quantum) ones. The speakers explained that organizations face risk when the time their data must stay protected, plus the time needed to migrate to post-quantum cryptography, exceeds the time until a quantum computer capable of breaking current encryption becomes available. They also warned that adversaries can steal encrypted data today and decrypt it after “Q-Day,” so delaying action only increases exposure.

During the Q&A, panelists answered questions about full versus hybrid migration to post-quantum cryptography. They emphasized planning around the lowest common denominator across organizations. They also highlighted how tabletop exercises can help end users understand what they don’t know.

Other questions covered different approaches to building a quantum computer, how quantum advances could shorten the timeline for action, and how crypto-agility can be defined and assessed. The event concluded with a dessert reception, where attendees made meaningful connections and discussed panel topics directly with the speakers.

Thank you to our underwriter!