As we enter into Q2, the pace of technological advancement serves as a reminder that the future arrives faster than anticipated. While much of the recent focus in the cybersecurity sector has rightly been on the immediate impacts of artificial intelligence, another profound shift is quietly approaching: the advent of cryptographically relevant quantum computers (CRQCs).
For years, the quantum threat to encryption has been viewed as a distant, theoretical problem. But recent developments suggest that the timeline for action is condensing. 2029 is increasingly being highlighted as a pivotal year for data security, making post-quantum readiness an imperative for Q2 2026 and beyond.
Changes Quantum Computing Brings
Current digital trust relies heavily on public-key cryptography algorithms (such as RSA and ECC). These mathematical problems are practically impossible for classical computers to solve within a human lifetime. However, quantum computers, leveraging principles of quantum mechanics, will eventually be able to solve these specific problems in mere hours or days using Shor’s algorithm.
The conversation around when this will happen has recently shifted from abstract decades to concrete years. As highlighted in a recent report, 🔗Google has indicated that quantum computers capable of cracking current encryption could arrive by 2029.
While 2029 may still seem like a comfortable distance away, in the realm of enterprise IT and cybersecurity infrastructure, a three-to-four-year runway is remarkably short.
Harvest Now, Decrypt Later
One of the most pressing reasons why organisations cannot wait until 2028 to begin their transition is the harvest now, decrypt later (HNDL) strategy employed by advanced threat actors.
Data transmitted today over supposedly secure channels is routinely intercepted and stored by adversaries. While they can’t read this encrypted data now, they are stockpiling it with the anticipation of decrypting it once fault-tolerant quantum computing becomes a reality. If your organisation deals with long-lifecycle data, like financial records, health information, intellectual property, or national security data, that information is already at risk today.
Aligning with Migration Timelines
Migrating an entire enterprise infrastructure to Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC) is a monumental task. It involves auditing existing cryptographic assets, identifying vulnerable protocols, and transitioning to quantum-resistant algorithms approved by bodies like NIST.
Industry leaders are already laying out the roadmap. According to 🔗Google’s own cryptography migration timeline, the transition is a phased approach that requires immediate inventorying and planning. The shift from classical to post-quantum cryptography will likely be the most significant cybersecurity upgrade in the history of the internet, requiring careful orchestration to avoid disrupting business continuity.
Steps to Take in Q2 2026
To ensure your defences are prepared for the impending quantum shift, organisations should begin taking proactive steps this quarter:
(1) Conduct a Cryptographic Inventory: |
You can’t protect what you don’t know you have. Map out where and how cryptography is used across your applications, networks, and third-party dependencies. |
(2) Prioritise High-Value Data |
Identify data with a long shelf life that would cause significant harm if exposed in five to ten years. |
(3) Establish a PQC Roadmap |
Begin conversations with your IT and security vendors about their post-quantum roadmaps. |
(4) Educate the Board |
Translate the technical quantum threat into business risk to ensure adequate budget and resources are allocated for the upcoming migration. |
For a deeper dive into the mechanics of this threat and the specific defences required, read our guide on 🔗The Quantum Threat to Encryption: Are Your Defences Ready?.
Are you unsure how the upcoming quantum computing timeline impacts your current data security posture? Transitioning to quantum-resistant architecture takes time, planning, and expert insight. Mondas specialises in forward-looking information security and cryptographic resilience. Reach out today to discuss how we can help future-proof your organisation’s critical data.
George Eastman | Sales Manager Partnering with organisations to identify their security vulnerabilities and pair them with best-in-class, future-proof solutions. 🔗Connect with George on LinkedIn
Author: Chris Wilkes-Green, Operations Director at Mondas. Chris focuses on building resilient operational strategies, ensuring that external partnerships enhance business capability without introducing unacceptable cyber risk. 🔗Connect with Chris on LinkedIn.
Get in touch: Your security is only as strong as your weakest link. If you are struggling with the complexities of Vendor Risk Management outlined in this article, contact Mondas today. Our vCISOs can help audit and secure your entire supply chain.
Content First Published 02/04/2026
