For years, quantum computers have been seen as science fiction. But now, with researchers making rapid leaps in practical design and implementation, publications like Gartner predict that this new technology may render traditional cryptography ineffective by 2029.

This article delves into how quantum computing is shaping the future, focusing on its implications for compliance and security based on insights from Gartner and Palo Alto Networks.

The Current Quantum Computing Landscape

Quantum computing manipulates particles using the principles of quantum mechanics, expanding computing beyond traditional binary approaches. Instead of 0s and 1s (or “True/False” or “On/Off”), quantum computers can measure several concurrent states in a particle to store information. This exponentially increases the potential computing power of such a device by orders of magnitude compared to traditional computers.

These capabilities have enormous implications for problems where complexity has been a bottleneck, if not an outright block, for performance. Quantum computers can solve previously intractable problems and break cryptographic ciphers, taking traditional computers millions of years.

Key players in the quantum space, such as IBM, Google, and emerging startups in the U.S. and China, have significantly progressed in scaling qubits, improving error rates, and building the ecosystem around quantum technology.

The Threat Quantum Poses to Current Cryptographic Systems

In 2025, quantum computers are not yet universally accessible or capable of solving all real-world problems. However, they rapidly advance in niche applications such as drug discovery, material science, and financial modeling. And, many major computing and hardware design companies are preparing for the leap to quantum.

Quantum computers affect cryptography, a specific niche. Traditional cryptographic systems, such as RSA and ECC, are based on the computational hardness of problems like integer factorization and discrete logarithms. Due to their resource-intensive nature, classical computers cannot solve these problems.

However, quantum computers running Shor’s algorithm can solve these problems exponentially faster, potentially breaking widely used encryption standards.

Palo Alto Networks says advances in these niche areas shouldn’t be taken lightly. The publication cites Chinese researchers who broke 50-bit RSA ciphers using quantum computers and emphasizes that 2025 is the year experts and organizations start preparing for a quantum reality.

The Imperative for Post-Quantum Cryptography

While there is a bit of a buffer between now and when traditional cryptography is rendered ineffective, it’s not due to a lack of effort from researchers, and it is only a matter of time before the threat becomes a reality. As such, it doesn’t hurt to start wrapping our minds around post-quantum security.

Such awareness will likely come from regulatory agencies (like NIST) or private security providers moving to more advanced Post-Quantum Cryptography (PCQ) standards. The National Institute of Standards and Technology has led global efforts to standardize PQC algorithms, announcing finalists for standardization in 2022 and driving adoption through 2025.

Modern Efforts to Address Quantum Computing

Standardization: Efforts like the NIST PQC project and initiatives from ISO and IEEE pave the way for a unified approach to quantum security. These standards will provide a foundation for both compliance and innovation.
Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) is an emerging technology that uses quantum mechanics to secure communications. While still in its infancy, it promises an additional layer of security for organizations looking to future-proof their systems. QKD has the potential to complement PQC.
Artificial Intelligence: AI-driven tools can assist quantum readiness by analyzing cryptographic vulnerabilities, recommending PQC implementation strategies, and simulating quantum attacks to test system resilience.

Some of the emerging standards in this area include:

CRYSTALS-Kyber: A lattice-based algorithm suitable for key encapsulation mechanisms.
Dilithium: A digital signature scheme also based on lattice cryptography.
Sphincs+: A stateless hash-based signature scheme.

Gartner emphasizes the importance of “crypto agility,” where systems are designed to switch between cryptographic protocols as needed quickly. This agility will be essential for maintaining secure operations in the quantum era.

Compliance Challenges in the Quantum Era

Quantum computing has a profound impact on compliance frameworks. Existing standards, such as GDPR, HIPAA, and SOC 2, were not designed with quantum threats in mind. In 2025, regulators and compliance bodies are beginning to recognize the urgency of updating these frameworks.

As we move into 2025 and beyond, we might begin to see some clear changes to regulations and security frameworks:

Data Protection Laws: Regulations like GDPR may require organizations to demonstrate quantum-resistant encryption to protect personal data.
Financial Sector Compliance: Institutions under PCI DSS or other financial standards may face new guidelines mandating quantum readiness, particularly for transaction security, to protect data at rest and, eventually, at the point of sale.
Supply Chain Audits: Compliance processes must evolve to account for quantum vulnerabilities across interconnected systems and third-party providers. Since supply chain threats are among the most dangerous in modern security, third-party vendors are prime targets for quantum attacks.

Strategic Roadmaps for Quantum Transition

Organizations must begin their quantum transition today to stay ahead of these challenges. Below is a step-by-step roadmap for achieving quantum resilience:

Risk Assessment: Identify systems and applications that rely on vulnerable cryptographic methods. Prioritize systems critical to operational continuity and compliance.
Workforce Education: Train IT and security teams on quantum risks and mitigation strategies. CISOs must take the lead in educating board members and executives about the urgency of quantum preparedness.
Incremental Integration of PQC: Adopt a hybrid approach by integrating PQC algorithms alongside existing cryptographic methods. This ensures a smoother transition without compromising current operations.
Collaboration with Standards Bodies: Engage with global efforts like NIST’s PQC initiative. Collaboration helps organizations stay ahead of emerging standards and ensures alignment with best practices.
Continuous Monitoring: Establish robust monitoring frameworks to detect vulnerabilities in real time. Quantum readiness should be a dynamic process requiring constant evaluation and updates.

Remain Future-Ready with Continuum GRC

Quantum readiness is no longer a theoretical discussion but a pressing necessity. Organizations that act decisively in 2025 will protect themselves against emerging threats and position themselves as leaders in a quantum-powered future.

Continuum GRC is a cloud platform that stays ahead of the curve, including support for all certifications (along with our sister company and assessors, Lazarus Alliance).

We are the only FedRAMP and StateRAMP-authorized compliance and risk management solution worldwide.

Continuum GRC is a proactive cyber security® and the only FedRAMP and StateRAMP-authorized cybersecurity audit platform worldwide. Call 1-888-896-6207 to discuss your organization’s cybersecurity needs and learn how we can help protect its systems and ensure compliance.

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The Quantum Security Revolution in 2025