Every day, it seems quantum computing is making its way out of the halls of science fiction and toward reality, and many CISOs Venafi has spoken with have expressed concerns about a few specific areas of post-quantum preparedness, specifically as it relates to their machine identity management program.
For the moment, while most CISOs aren’t actively recalibrating their strategies, one thing is clear. Several are worried about the potential unraveling of current defenses—including public-key encryption.
But what aspects of post-quantum readiness, specifically, are top of mind? I’ve detailed the top 10 CISO concerns for quantum readiness below.
1. Identity verification and authentication
To secure your machine identities, your company will need to explore enhanced, quantum-resistant authentication methods. This may involve adopting novel authentication mechanisms that are better equipped to handle the unique nature of quantum computers.
2. Quantum-safe certificates
Regularly reassessing certificate validity periods can help better secure your systems over the long term, even as quantum computers threaten to break traditional encryption standards.
3. Quantum key distribution (QKD)
The confidentiality of communication keys can actually be made more secure by quantum computers through the use of Quantum Key Distribution, which leverages the principles of quantum mechanics. Although, the US National Security Agency has stated that QKD possesses five technical limitations, and presents only a partial solution.
4. Post-quantum cryptography (PQC)
Your strategy should account for post-quantum cryptography to ensure that your machine identity management system can seamlessly migrate to quantum-resistant encryption. (See note in #5 below).
5. Quantum-resistant algorithms
Integrating quantum-resistant algorithms is imperative. They must align with existing systems and avoid disruptions to business continuity.
However, it’s important to note that, for most businesses, PQC preparation isn’t necessarily about choosing which cryptographic algorithms will underpin your company’s security. Vendors making up your tech stack, as well as other decision makers in Silicon Valley, will choose these on your behalf as they, too, prepare their products and solutions for the post-quantum future.
As my colleague Kevin Bocek, Chief Innovation Officer at Venafi, said in his recent Forbes Tech Council column, “Your security teams won’t be selecting crypto but instead [will be] responsible for managing the certificates that use this new crypto. The problem won’t be which algorithm to select but instead to replace the identities for applications. To navigate this smoothly, comprehensive governance and lifecycle management are essential for business leaders to enforce.”
6. Quantum risk quantification
Assess and quantify the risks associated with quantum computing in your machine identity management systems and develop a risk management plan that addresses these threats, as well as outlines mitigation strategies.
7. Security standards and compliance
Stay abreast of emerging quantum-safe security standards. Adherence to them will be crucial for maintaining the security of both your machine identities and your enterprise infrastructure.
8. Awareness and training
Quantum computing is a rapidly evolving field. It’s important for IT teams to stay educated on the impact quantum computers will make on machine identity management programs. At minimum, training should cover the basics of quantum computing, potential threats, and best mitigation practices.
9. Collaboration and research
Establish collaborative connections with your machine identity management partner in order to stay informed about advancements in quantum technologies—and be prepared to adapt your strategies accordingly.
10. Testing and simulation
Run simulated quantum attacks against your existing machine identity management and cybersecurity systems. Through this proactive approach, you can identify vulnerabilities before they materialize in the wild.
Most security executives look to the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and many other standardization bodies for guidance. NIST recommends following a three-step readiness checklist to ensure a successful migration to PQC. Taking control of your machine identities is crucial to a smooth transition.
- Implement comprehensive, enterprise-wide machine identity management that offers total visibility and automation for every machine identity, regardless of machine type, location or use case.
- Assess your levels of crypto-agility and be certain your machine identity management platform empowers your enterprise to quickly migrate to PQC. It should also give you the ability to test hybrid certificates and quantum PKI solutions today.
- Collaborate with a trusted machine identity management partner with the knowledge, expertise, and solutions needed to guide your enterprise through a smooth post-quantum migration.
With comprehensive visibility into your TLS, SSH, SPIFFE, code signing, and other types of machine identities, as well as a reliable, automated process to manage their associated lifecycles, you’re well on your way to preparing for the post-quantum world.
The Venafi Control Plane provides those orchestration capabilities, empowering you to take charge of every machine identity, regardless of type, location, or lifespan duration.
Ready to continue on the path to post-quantum readiness? Dive into our all-new eBook, which provides a detailed roadmap to Q-Day, industry recommendations, and quantum-related threats you must solve for before quantum computers become readily available.
Future-proof your business with quantum-ready solutions from Venafi
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