WHAT IS POST-QUANTUMCRYPTOGRAPHY
A plain-language guide to post-quantum cryptography: what it is, why it matters, and what every business needs to know about the NIST PQC standards.
The Three NIST PQC Standards
ML-KEM (FIPS 203)
Key encapsulation mechanism for securely exchanging encryption keys. Replaces RSA and ECDH key exchange in TLS, VPN, and other protocols.
ML-DSA (FIPS 204)
Digital signature algorithm for authentication and integrity. Replaces RSA and ECDSA signatures in certificates, code signing, and documents.
SLH-DSA (FIPS 205)
Hash-based digital signatures as a conservative backup. Uses well-understood hash function security rather than lattice mathematics.
HQC (Upcoming)
A fourth algorithm selected as an alternative to ML-KEM, providing algorithm diversity for key encapsulation.
How PQC Migration Works
Inventory all cryptographic systems
Prioritize by data sensitivity and risk
Deploy hybrid classical + PQC algorithms
Migrate PKI and certificate infrastructure
Update code signing and supply chain
Deprecate classical algorithms
Frequently Asked Questions
Are quantum computers decades away?
Cryptographically relevant quantum computers may arrive by 2030 to 2035. But harvest-now-decrypt-later attacks mean your data is at risk today. Migration takes 18 to 36 months, so starting now is essential.
Does our cloud provider handle this?
Cloud providers handle infrastructure encryption, but your applications, APIs, certificates, and data flows are your responsibility. You need to assess and migrate your own cryptographic dependencies.
Is AES-256 quantum-safe?
AES-256 symmetric encryption is considered quantum-resistant. However, the key exchange mechanisms (RSA, ECDH) used to distribute AES keys are vulnerable. PQC addresses the key exchange problem.
Are PQC algorithms too new to trust?
NIST spent 8 years evaluating PQC candidates with extensive peer review. The finalized standards are based on well-studied mathematical problems. Hybrid mode lets you combine PQC with classical algorithms as an extra safety net.
Related Resources
Assess Your Quantum Risk
Start with a quantum readiness assessment to understand your exposure and build a migration roadmap.