Although quantum computers still seem to belong to the future, their impact on your security starts today. In 2026, we are facing a silent but extremely dangerous strategy: "Harvest now, decrypt later". At Altanet Craiova we see groups of attackers storing huge volumes of encrypted data, waiting for the moment when quantum technology will let them open it in a second.
Experts at Cybersecurity News warn that data considered safe today may become completely vulnerable in the near future. This threat does not concern only the present; it endangers the historical archives and long-term trade secrets of any company.
What is the "Harvest now, Decrypt later" threat?
This strategy involves intercepting and saving data encrypted with current methods (such as web traffic or secure emails). Even if this data cannot be read today, the attackers are betting that quantum algorithms will be able to break traditional encryption much faster than we imagined.
Consider medical information, intellectual property details or your customers' identity data. If these are stolen today, they remain a goldmine for hackers in a few years. Security no longer means just blocking access now, but making sure your data stays unreadable a decade from now.
Why are current encryption methods becoming insufficient?
Quantum computing is not just an evolution in processing power, but a fundamental paradigm shift. Here is why we should be concerned:
- Exponential computing speed: A quantum computer can solve complex mathematical problems (on which current encryption relies) in a few moments, a task that would take a classical computer thousands of years.
- Shor's algorithm: This is the mathematical method by which quantum computers can break most of the public-key encryption systems used on the internet today.
- Ageing infrastructure: Much of the equipment and software used by small companies is not ready for the transition to quantum-resistant algorithms.
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How do we prepare for the post-quantum era?
Even if you cannot buy a quantum computer today, you can adopt protection strategies recommended by Altanet Craiova:
- Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC): Begin the transition to new encryption algorithms designed to withstand the computing power of quantum computers.
- Cryptographic agility: Adopt software solutions that allow encryption methods to be changed quickly without rebuilding the entire IT infrastructure.
- Data prioritisation: Identify the information that must stay secret for the next 10-20 years and apply the highest protection standards available to it.
- Supplier auditing: Ask your cloud service providers what plans they have for the post-quantum security of the data they host.
Conclusion
The quantum threat is not a myth, but a rapidly developing technical reality. The decisions you make today about data protection will determine whether your business stays safe in the next decade as well. Do not let your company's archives become easy prey for the computers of the future.
Are you worried about the long-term safety of your data? The Altanet Craiova team can help you implement modern encryption strategies, ready for the new challenges. Contact us for a discussion about the future of your security.
This article is part of the Altanet series on cyber threats in 2026. Next article: Record DDoS: how IoT devices can block the global internet. See also the complete guide to the series.