“If today’s top shelf defenses are already strained, what happens when tomorrow arrives faster than we expect?” asked Sumera Riaz, Telarus security solutions architect. The consensus across the security community is that malicious actors – from state-sponsored groups to cybercriminal organizations – will eventually gain access to quantum systems. When that happens, current encryption standards will be rendered useless overnight. In a recent Next Level BizTech podcast, Riaz explained how encrypted data that’s stolen by cybercriminals today could then be decrypted once quantum machines become easily accessible. This type of attack is called harvest now decrypt later (HNDL). And as it turns out, the risk extends far beyond privacy. “Quantum computing is large-scale, so it’s going to break encryption at some point,” Riaz added. “When that happens, governments or companies’ critical data can be decrypted within minutes using QT. So, it’s a multi-fold threat.” The key thing to understand and share with customers is that quantum computing is no longer a far-off possibility or something to theorize about. The technology is evolving at an astonishing pace. “[The quantum consumption model] has gone from theory to practical to marketable to hybrid, which is where we are now,” Riaz said. “And over the next two to three years we’re going to see it commercialized. It is an exciting time to be in technology, as quantum computing will change the way we operate, from personal to professional. It will speed up drug discovery which will lead to healthier lives, enhance data and risk modeling in the financial sector, bring advancements in how we secure our worlds, and so much more. The risk lies in the transitional years where some have adopted QT and some have not. The threats and risks are real. However, there are tangible measures companies can take today to prepare for this next technology revolution.” Fortunately, business leaders are becoming more aware of quantum computing and the risks that the technology presents – meaning advisors can feel confident about bringing it up in conversation. In a recent KPMG study, the majority of surveyed corporations said they are extremely concerned about quantum computing’s potential to break their data encryption. In fact, 73 percent of respondents said it’s only a matter of time before cybercriminals use quantum to decrypt and disrupt today’s cybersecurity protocols. Quantum computing also is becoming an international imperative for government agencies and global standards bodies. This was one of the key takeaways from the 2025 Quantum World Congress, where Riaz represented Telarus. “Quantum has moved from the lab into the marketplace,” explained Riaz. “When you see supply chain, standard bodies and major providers already laying the groundwork, you realize this isn’t a someday conversation. It’s a now conversation.” Riaz also pointed out how governments and major providers are 28 CHANNELVISION | FALL 2025
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