Avesta Hojjati , VP of Engineering and Head of R & D , DigiCert , on proactive steps to get out in front of coming post-quantum challenges .

For the past few decades , we ’ ve depended on cryptographic solutions based on classical encryption algorithms to ensure that trust .

But new advances in quantum computing are putting these cryptographic solutions at risk . The pressure is on for organizations to prepare for a postquantum future .

What ’ s behind the post-quantum threat ?

We ’ ve all heard about the tremendous potential of quantum computers and their ability to solve complex problems in fields like pharmaceuticals , chemical production , manufacturing and finance .

However , the downside is that they could also provide bad actors with a powerful new tool for breaking classical encryption algorithms .

What makes current algorithms susceptible to attack by quantum computers ? Today ’ s current algorithms are mostly based on what we call factorization problems .

As a simple example , RSA is essentially based on identifying two randomly generated large prime numbers and multiplying those large prime numbers to create a much larger prime number .

For today ’ s existing computers , it might take many years to figure out the roots of this single large prime number and crack the encryption .

But for a quantum computer utilizing principles such as entanglement and superposition , solving this

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