Harvest Now, Decrypt Later
The Integration of Quantum-Resistant Encryption into Existing Cloud Frameworks to Future-Proof Data Protection
Here’s the thing: in a world where data is the lifeblood of businesses, governments, and individuals alike, securing it has never been more critical. Cloud computing has transformed how we store, process, and share information—but with that convenience comes a new set of vulnerabilities. The rise of quantum computing is no longer just a sci-fi fantasy; it’s a looming threat that could unravel the encryption we’ve relied on for decades. And if you’re not already thinking about quantum-resistant encryption, now’s the time to start.
The Quantum Threat: A Looming Challenge
Let’s cut through the noise. For years, cryptographic algorithms like RSA and ECC (Elliptic Curve Cryptography) have been the backbone of digital security. They work by solving complex mathematical problems that even the most powerful classical computers struggle to crack. But here’s the catch: quantum computers, with their ability to process information in entirely new ways (thanks to superposition and entanglement), could render these methods obsolete. Shor’s algorithm, a quantum computing marvel, could break RSA and ECC in seconds—if we ever get there.
The quantum computing landscape in 2025 is experiencing rapid transformation. This year has been designated by the United Nations as the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology, marking a significant milestone in the field’s development. The focus has shifted from merely increasing qubit quantity to enhancing qubit quality and developing logical qubits, signalling a crucial evolution in development strategy.
Recent developments suggest that fault-tolerant, large-scale quantum systems are likely just a few years away, with estimates ranging from 2027-2030. Whilst most experts agree we won’t see a cryptographically relevant quantum computer (CRQC) in 2025, the consensus among industry leaders is that such systems are approaching rapidly.
And yes, quantum computers aren’t quite here in their full glory yet. But the clock is ticking. The problem? Data encrypted today could be harvested and decrypted later, once quantum computing becomes a reality. It’s the “harvest now, decrypt later” threat—and it’s real. This strategy involves attackers collecting encrypted data now, knowing that future quantum computers may be able to break the encryption protecting it.
What Is Quantum-Resistant Encryption?
So, what’s the solution? Quantum-resistant encryption, or post-quantum cryptography (PQC). These are algorithms designed to withstand attacks from both classical and quantum computers. Think of them as the digital equivalent of a fortress built on unbreakable mathematical principles.
Key players in this space include:
Lattice-based cryptography: A promising approach that leans on the complexity of high-dimensional geometries
Hash-based signatures: Uses cryptographic hash functions to create secure digital fingerprints
Code-based cryptography: Relies on the difficulty of decoding random linear codes
Multivariate polynomial systems: Leverages complex equations over finite fields
And let’s not forget the US National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), which has been hard at work. In August 2024, they finalised their selection of quantum-resistant standards—ML-KEM (formerly CRYSTALS-Kyber) for encryption and ML-DSA (formerly CRYSTALS-Dilithium) for digital signatures, alongside SLH-DSA (formerly SPHINCS+) as an alternative signature scheme. These are the new benchmarks we should all be watching.
The UK has also taken decisive action. The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) has issued guidance encouraging organisations to adopt post-quantum cryptography, establishing a clear roadmap with a three-phase timeline extending to 2035. This guidance emphasises that quantum computing poses significant risks to current encryption methods, and organisations must begin preparing now.
The Challenges of Integration: A Cloudy Picture
But here’s the rub: integrating these new algorithms into existing cloud frameworks isn’t exactly a walk in the park. Let’s break it down:
Legacy systems: Many cloud platforms still run on outdated cryptographic protocols. Updating them is like swapping a horse and carriage for a Tesla—it’s not just about the tech, but the entire ecosystem.
Performance trade-offs: Quantum-resistant algorithms often demand more computational power, which could slow things down. Research indicates that post-quantum implementations can increase computational overhead and require significant increases in key storage requirements.
Interoperability: Ensuring these new standards work with existing software, APIs, and third-party services is a bit like trying to merge two different languages.
Cost: Let’s be honest—transitioning to a quantum-safe world isn’t cheap. It requires investment in both technology and talent. The Post-Quantum Cryptography market is estimated to grow from USD 302.5 million in 2024 to USD 1,887.9 million by 2029 at a compound annual growth rate of 44.2%, reflecting the massive investment required across industries.
Strategies for Seamless Integration: A Step-by-Step Guide
So, how do we tackle this? Here’s the plan:
Hybrid cryptographic schemes: Start by pairing classical encryption (like AES) with quantum-resistant algorithms. This hybrid approach ensures backward compatibility whilst building a shield against future threats. For example, data could be encrypted using both RSA and ML-KEM.
Collaborate with cloud providers: Major players like AWS, Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud are already rolling out tools to support PQC. AWS has deployed post-quantum cryptography across several key services, including AWS Key Management Service, AWS Secrets Manager, and AWS Certificate Manager, implementing hybrid key establishment combining ECDH with ML-KEM. Google Cloud has introduced quantum-safe digital signatures in its Cloud KMS, implementing both ML-DSA-65 and SLH-DSA-SHA2-128S algorithms. Microsoft has made PQC algorithms available through its Windows Insiders and Linux developer programmes, enabling customers to commence exploration and experimentation within their operational environments.
Follow NIST’s lead: Stick to their post-quantum standards. They’re the gold standard in this space, and aligning with them ensures your data is as secure as it can be. NIST has published its draft strategy for migrating from current cryptographic algorithms vulnerable to quantum computing attacks to quantum-resistant alternatives.
Optimise for performance: Cloud providers are already working on hardware acceleration and software tweaks to reduce the computational overhead of quantum-resistant algorithms. Keep an eye out for these innovations.
The Path Forward: Securing the Future
This isn’t just about technology—it’s about mindset. The integration of quantum-resistant encryption into cloud frameworks is a cultural shift, one that requires collaboration between cryptographers, engineers, and policymakers. As quantum computing inches closer to reality, the window for action is narrowing.
2025 has been designated as a critical year for quantum readiness. The UK has committed £670 million over the next decade to accelerate quantum computing development, demonstrating the nation’s commitment to maintaining its position as a global leader in this transformative technology. This investment provides a 10-year settlement for the National Quantum Computing Centre (NQCC), marking it as one of the first organisations to receive such long-term certainty.
Organisations that act now will gain a competitive edge by protecting their data against future threats whilst building trust with customers and stakeholders. The transition to quantum-safe encryption isn’t a choice anymore; it’s a necessity.
Critical industries like government, finance, energy, healthcare, and transport face mounting pressure from mandates and guidelines to transition to quantum-resistant encryption. The UK’s regulated sectors, such as banking, finance, and telecommunications, will likely lead the way in PQC adoption. These industries, which operate on a global scale, must coordinate with international partners to ensure seamless integration.
So, what’s the takeaway? The cloud is our digital backbone, but it needs a new kind of security. By embracing post-quantum cryptography today, we’re not just future-proofing our data—we’re preparing for a world where quantum computing isn’t a threat, but an opportunity.
The question is: will you be ready when the time comes?