Why Post-Quantum Security Matters 

Most of our digital security today relies on encryption techniques that could be cracked by a powerful enough quantum computer. While that technology isn't widely available yet, experts predict it could become reality as soon as 2030. That means someone could steal encrypted data now and simply wait to unlock it later—a threat known as "harvest now, decrypt later." 

To prevent this, organizations need to start using quantum-resistant encryption right away. That's where post-quantum cryptography comes in. 

What the Experts Recommend 

In 2024, the U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) announced its first official standards for quantum-resistant cryptography. These include: 

• ML-KEM (Kyber) for securely sharing encryption keys 

• ML-DSA (Dilithium) for digital signatures 

• SPHINCS+ as a backup signature method 

• A fourth algorithm, FALCON, is expected soon 

These new methods are designed to withstand attacks from future quantum computers while still being practical for real-world use. 

What Big Cloud Companies Are Doing 

Google Cloud 

Google has been preparing for quantum threats for years. In 2025, they added quantum-safe digital signatures to their Cloud Key Management Service (Cloud KMS). Their software tools, like BoringCrypto and Tink, are open-source and allow companies to integrate quantum-safe security now. 

Amazon Web Services (AWS) 

AWS uses a method called ML-KEM for quantum-resistant encryption in services like AWS KMS and Secrets Manager. Users can activate these features in their apps, and tests show it doesn’t slow things down much. 

Microsoft Azure 

Microsoft is working on post-quantum security as well, though fewer public details are available. Industry insiders say they’re adding protections behind the scenes. 

Startups Making It Easier 

Several startups are helping companies upgrade to quantum-safe systems without needing deep technical knowledge. Here’s what they do: 

• PQShield – Specializes in embedding post-quantum cryptography into hardware, software, and communications systems. They work with chipmakers, device manufacturers, and software vendors to make future-ready encryption widely accessible. 

• QuSecure – Provides a full-stack cybersecurity platform called QuProtect, which helps businesses add quantum-resilient protection to their existing networks, without needing to replace infrastructure. 

• ISARA  – Offers tools and APIs that let companies integrate quantum-safe algorithms into current security systems with minimal disruption, often through hybrid cryptography models. 

• OQS Labs – Develops open-source tools for developers, including libraries and test environments, to make it easier for programmers to experiment with and implement post-quantum algorithms. 

These startups aim to simplify and speed up the transition to quantum-safe security for organizations of all sizes. 

Are Cloud Providers Truly Quantum-Safe? 

The short answer is: not completely, but they’re getting there. 

Cloud providers have begun their post-quantum security efforts by focusing on protecting "data in transit"—information that moves over networks such as the internet. This type of data is particularly vulnerable because it can be intercepted while traveling between devices or services. To counter this, companies like Google and AWS are now using quantum-safe encryption protocols to secure these transmissions, ensuring that even if data is captured today, it can't be decrypted in the quantum-powered future. 

Digital signatures, which verify the identity of users and devices, are being updated as well—especially by Google. However, older systems and hardware still need to be upgraded, which is a significant undertaking. Another important note is that these quantum-safe features are not always enabled by default. Users must manually activate them to benefit from the protection. 

What Should You Do Now? 

If you’re a business or IT leader, here are five steps to get started: 

• Take inventory – Know what data and systems need protecting.Start by taking stock of your digital assets. Understand what sensitive data and critical systems you have, and identify which ones are most at risk if current encryption methods are broken by quantum computing. This inventory will guide your next steps. 

• Enable quantum-safe options in cloud services where available. Check your current cloud services—like AWS, Google Cloud, or Microsoft Azure—and see if they offer quantum-safe security options. If they do, activate those features as soon as possible to begin protecting data in transit and at rest. 

• Test everything – Make sure your systems still work smoothly. Once implemented, rigorously test your systems to ensure everything continues to run smoothly. Quantum-safe algorithms may behave differently from traditional ones, and you’ll want to confirm compatibility and performance. 

• Keep up with updates from NIST and cloud providers. Keep an eye on evolving guidance from NIST and updates from your cloud providers. Quantum-safe standards and implementations are still evolving, and staying informed will help you adapt early and avoid being caught off guard. 

• Get help – Use tools from startups or consult with experts. Reach out to emerging cybersecurity startups or trusted consultants who specialize in post-quantum technologies. Their tools and guidance can make transitioning much smoother and more secure. 

Looking Ahead 

We're heading into one of the biggest cybersecurity upgrades in history. Cloud giants are laying the groundwork, and tools are becoming available. But every organization must take action to stay ahead. 

By switching to quantum-safe encryption today, you’ll protect your data long into the future—no matter when quantum computers arrive. 

Want more help getting started? Stay tuned to Supertrends for practical guides, expert interviews, and real-world case studies on future-proofing your security. 

This article is the result of a collaboration between an editor from the Supertrends team, AI assistance, and data extracted from the Quantum Computing SmartScan.