Quantum Technologies Key Strategies and Opportunities for Financial Services Leaders 2025
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Quantum security
and quantum
communications4
Adopting an agile security strategy that
integrates both quantum-resistant and
quantum-native technologies is essential
to mitigating the quantum threat.
As cryptographically relevant quantum computers
(CRQCs) become feasible, today’s widely used
encryption methods – such as RSA (Rivest-Shamir-
Adleman) and ECC (elliptic curve cryptography) –
will be increasingly vulnerable.
Quantum-safe cryptography refers to cryptographic
systems and strategies designed to protect digital
systems from quantum-enabled threats. Unlike
quantum-native technologies, these solutions
do not rely on quantum mechanics themselves
but are engineered to withstand attacks from
quantum adversaries.22
Key terms and concepts:
–PQC refers to a subset of quantum-resistant
cryptography that’s based on hard mathematical problems and believed to be secure against
both classical and quantum attacks. PQC is
currently the most scalable and implementation-
ready approach to quantum-resistant security.
It includes algorithms based on lattice problems,
hash functions and multivariate equations (many
of which are being standardized by NIST).
–Crypto agility refers to the ability of systems
to rapidly switch between cryptographic
algorithms as threats evolve or standards
change. This is essential for future-proofing
systems. It allows organizations to adopt
PQC today while remaining flexible enough
to integrate new standards or respond to
unforeseen vulnerabilities.234.1 Quantum-safe cryptography
Efforts to identify the full potential of quantum technologies are critical to
developing an effective post-quantum cryptography strategy. Organizations
must begin the journey towards crypto agility – their ability to quickly adapt to
changing cryptographic solutions – which will help ensure the security of the
global financial sector and maintain the trust of all its stakeholders.
Mike Silverman, Chief Strategy and Innovation Officer, Financial Services Information
Sharing and Analysis Center (FS-ISAC)
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Quantum Technologies: Key Strategies and Opportunities for Financial Services Leaders
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