A new report from the Accredited Standards Committee X9 Inc. (X9) provides guidance on how to identify, analyze, prioritize, and manage the significant risks posed by future quantum computers. The report offers financial industry management details on how to migrate to post-quantum cryptography (PQC) to protect sensitive data and networks against quantum-enabled cyberattacks.

The report details how migrating to PQC will require significant work in many areas, such as:

• Educating personnel on issues related to how quantum computers can break cryptography
• Creating a cryptographic asset inventory to identify all cryptographic systems in use
• Prioritizing current systems for remediation based on a risk assessment
• Developing and implementing a plan to migrate to PQC solutions where required
• Working with vendors to develop and deploy PQC solutions in third-party products
• Using the PQC migration as an opportunity to investigate and incorporate features of an agile architecture, where appropriate

“Our new report will be a vital resource for the financial industry to understand and prepare for the paradigm shift in cryptographic standards brought about by the advent of quantum computing,” said X9 executive director Harden Stevens. “The insights the industry can glean from this needs assessment report will be instrumental in building secure and resilient cryptographic infrastructures that protect against the uncertainties of the quantum-powered future.”

In addition to the financial industry, the report is also relevant to government agencies and any other organization facing the quantum challenge, X9 reports.

Access more information and download the free report via X9’s website.