Articles
Quantum-Safe Cryptography: Preparing Defence Systems for the Post-Quantum Era
Marketing and Outreach Team
16 Nov 2025
6 Min Read
An engineering-led overview of post-quantum cryptography, its impact on defence communications, and why migration must begin long before quantum computers arrive.
TL;DR
Quantum computing threatens today�s public-key cryptography. Defence systems must adopt post-quantum cryptographic (PQC) algorithms now to avoid catastrophic future compromise of encrypted data.
1. The Threat Model
Adversaries can store encrypted traffic today and decrypt it later once quantum capability matures. This creates a long-term confidentiality risk for defence communications.
2. PQC Algorithms
Lattice-based cryptography (CRYSTALS-Kyber, Dilithium)
Hash-based signatures
Code-based encryption
3. Engineering Challenges
PQC algorithms increase key sizes, CPU usage, and bandwidth. Defence systems must balance resilience with operational constraints.
4. Policy Direction
NIST and UK NCSC both recommend hybrid cryptographic approaches during transition.
References
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Marketing and Outreach Team
AIC’s Marketing and Outreach Team builds visibility and trust across Defence and security. We deliver strategic campaigns, thought leadership, and stakeholder engagement while balancing transparency with discretion. Our mission is to position AIC as a trusted, innovative partner to the UK MoD and beyond.
