Quantum computing is advancing at a rapid pace, and it has been causing increasing concern among cybersecurity experts. While still in its early stages, the technology can potentially make traditional encryption methods obsolete. As a result, this could expose sensitive data, which should compel businesses and governments to reconsider how they secure digital information. As artificial intelligence continues to be the great accelerator of threat levels, organizations must prepare for a future where standard cryptographic protections may no longer be sufficient.
Current encryption models rely on the computational difficulty of factoring large prime numbers and solving discrete logarithms. Quantum computers, however, with their ability to process information exponentially faster than classical machines, threaten to break these encryption protocols. In 2019, a firm announced it had achieved “quantum supremacy” by solving a problem in 200 seconds that would’ve taken the most powerful supercomputers over 10,000 years. Although quantum computers are not yet capable of breaking encryption on a practical scale, experts predict that they will become a real threat within the next 10 to 20 years.
Daniel Tobok, a cybersecurity expert with nearly three decades of experience, stresses that businesses must act now rather than wait until the risk becomes an immediate crisis. “We are more digitally connected than ever before, and as a result, our exposure levels are rising,” he states. Organizations must adopt a mindset of Cyber Certainty™—a proactive approach that focuses on securing digital assets before an attack occurs, rather than simply reacting to breaches once they happen.
One of the most immediate concerns is the potential for “harvest now, decrypt later” attacks, in which threat actors collect encrypted data today with the expectation that future quantum advancements will allow them to decrypt it. Governments and businesses handling sensitive information—such as financial institutions, healthcare providers, and defense agencies—are particularly vulnerable.
Businesses must also adapt by becoming digitally diligent and cyber-sensitive. Tobok notes that “there are two dimensions of people and players on the digital horizon—everyday individuals interacting with basic digital services and C-suite executives responsible for managing a company’s cybersecurity framework.” As companies grow, so does the complexity of their digital infrastructure, making them more susceptible to cyber threats. The increased reliance on cloud computing, remote work, and interconnected devices expands the attack surface, thereby making it imperative to implement post-quantum cryptographic measures now.
AI is also playing a huge role in this landscape. While artificial intelligence enhances cybersecurity by detecting and mitigating threats in real-time, it also increases the speed and sophistication of cyberattacks. AI-driven hacking tools can automate identifying vulnerabilities, developing malware, and executing attacks at a previously unachievable scale.
Tobok says that executives must shift their approach from reaction to resilience. “Cyber Certainty™ is about creating and maintaining digital stability, internally and externally,” he explains. Organizations must build proactive defense mechanisms rather than relying on conventional cybersecurity practices that focus on containment and recovery. This involves upgrading encryption methods, investing in AI-powered cybersecurity solutions, and educating employees on emerging digital threats.
Tobok understands the importance of a forward-thinking cybersecurity strategy. With over 10,000 cyberattack reviews and thousands of successful recoveries to his name, his insights provide a roadmap for businesses navigating the complexities of digital security. As the founder and CEO of CYPFER, the world’s fastest-growing Cyber Certainty™ business, Tobok continues to lead initiatives to strengthen global cyber resilience. Embracing Cyber Certainty™ now prepares organizations for future cybersecurity challenges.
Written in partnership with Tom White
