DigiCert CEO: Quantum Computing’s ‘ChatGPT Moment’ Is Coming
▼ Summary
– Quantum computing is advancing rapidly and will soon disrupt current encryption systems, requiring urgent organizational readiness.
– DigiCert’s CEO warns that 24% of organizations are still in denial about quantum risks and must move toward acceptance this year.
– Delaying the transition to post-quantum cryptography increases financial, operational, and reputational risks and costs.
– Practical steps for transition include creating cryptographic asset inventories, assigning clear owners, and planning for automation.
– The approved ML-DSA algorithm provides quantum-resistant encryption, but organizations must maintain agility as standards will continue evolving.
The rapid acceleration of quantum computing development presents an immediate and profound challenge to current encryption standards, with industry leaders warning that a pivotal breakthrough could arrive with little warning. According to insights shared at DigiCert’s recent World Quantum Readiness Day, this technological leap may soon create a disruptive moment comparable to the sudden emergence of advanced AI tools. DigiCert CEO Dr. Amit Sinha emphasized that major technology firms are locked in a high-stakes race for quantum supremacy, driving progress at a staggering rate that demands urgent organizational readiness.
Dr. Sinha opened the event by highlighting how businesses often respond to transformative change by moving through stages similar to grief—from denial to acceptance. He noted that nearly a quarter of organizations remain in denial about quantum risks, underscoring the critical need for a mindset shift this year. The gathering brought together specialists from industry, government, and academic sectors, reinforcing the importance of coordinated action as Australian regulators fast-track deadlines for adopting post-quantum cryptography.
Procrastination carries serious consequences. Delaying the transition to quantum-resistant systems allows risks to accumulate, and the eventual cost of an emergency migration will far exceed proactive investment. Lakshmi Hanspal, DigiCert’s Chief Trust Officer, stressed that every month of inaction compounds vulnerabilities. Colin Soutar, Deloitte’s Global Quantum Cyber Readiness Lead, echoed this, pointing to the financial, operational, and reputational damage awaiting organizations that postpone preparations.
For enterprises beginning this journey, DigiCert’s Chief Product Officer Deepika Chauhan outlined a practical three-step approach. First, initiate a comprehensive inventory of cryptographic assets without waiting for its completion. Second, assign clear ownership of these assets to ensure accountability throughout the transition. Third, integrate automation planning from the start to manage the scale and complexity of migration effectively.
A significant focus was placed on ML-DSA, the first post-quantum cryptographic algorithm standardized by NIST last year. William Whyte of Qualcomm explained that ML-DSA resists quantum attacks and is positioned to become a leading replacement for RSA encryption. However, Dr. Taher Elgamal, known as the father of SSL, cautioned against viewing it as a final solution. He advised building cryptographic agility, as future migrations will inevitably be required.
With Asia-Pacific organizations facing tightened government timelines for quantum readiness, the event’s urgency was unmistakable. Daniel Sutherland, DigiCert’s Regional VP for Australia and New Zealand, confirmed alignment with the Australian Government’s Cyber Security Strategy, which treats quantum threats as a core resilience priority. He expressed encouragement at ecosystem progress in advancing post-quantum cryptography through research and pilot programs.
DigiCert reaffirmed its commitment to supporting this transition through its DigiCert ONE platform, delivering tools, strategic roadmaps, and collaborative frameworks designed to help organizations adapt smoothly. The platform supports the latest post-quantum algorithms, enabling enterprises to navigate the complexities of cryptographic evolution with confidence. Recordings of the full panel discussions remain available for on-demand viewing through early December.
(Source: ITWire Australia)
