The Quantum Cyber Crisis: What Boards Must Know Now
Warren Atkinson
Cyber Community Connector | Podcast Host | Head of Information & Cyber Security Recruitment | ECS & GTM Team Builder
💻 Latest Episode: https://youtu.be/Kk6lMT9tPdk?si=IT89PDw6YMoLRmb0
What if tomorrow, every lock guarding your organisation’s most sensitive data could be opened instantly, not by a burglar, but by a new form of computing no one can stop?
Quantum computing is on the brink of revolutionising the world, promising breakthroughs from medicine to finance. But for cyber security, it poses an existential threat: the power to break the encryption that keeps your data safe today. Imagine your most secure systems exposed overnight, your intellectual property, customer data, and critical infrastructure vulnerable to attacks we can barely imagine and certainly can’t yet defend against fully.
In 2025, nearly 70% of organisations recognise quantum computing as a top cyber threat within the next 3 to 5 years ( Capgemini Research Institute). Yet, only 5% have a clear roadmap to defend against it ( ISACA 2025). This gap between awareness and action is a ticking time bomb.
Threat and Opportunity
Quantum computing often makes headlines as a looming cyber security nightmare, capable of instantly breaking encryption methods such as RSA and ECC that underpin internet security worldwide. This is a genuine concern, when “Q-Day” arrives, many encryption protocols currently securing sensitive data will become obsolete overnight. However, focusing solely on the threat misses the bigger picture. Quantum computing also holds extraordinary promise to revolutionise industries: speeding up drug discovery, optimising global logistics in real time, and simulating complex financial models far beyond current capabilities.
In a 2025 Wall Street Journal survey, 41% of CEOs identified quantum technology as a potential competitive advantage, not just a risk. Forward-thinking organisations are adopting a dual strategy: actively preparing for the cyber security risks while exploring how quantum can transform their business operations. This balanced approach ensures they don’t fall behind competitors who harness quantum innovation while others scramble to patch vulnerabilities.
Boardroom Accountability: Quantum Risk Is Here
Quantum risk is no longer a theoretical concern confined to tech labs, it’s a corporate governance issue demanding board-level attention. Regulators across the UK, EU, and US have set clear timelines, expecting vulnerable cryptographic systems to be upgraded by 2028–2031, with complete transition to quantum-safe cryptography by 2035. Boards will be required to demonstrate due diligence in managing this risk.
Personal liability for directors who fail to oversee cyber protections is becoming a real possibility. Ignoring quantum readiness could lead to legal, financial, and reputational consequences beyond immediate operational risks. Boards must treat quantum risk like GDPR or financial compliance a mandatory, tracked agenda item with allocated resources, clear ownership, and measurable milestones.
Learn more about the quantum risk timeline here.
Vendor and Supply Chain Vulnerabilities: The Weakest Link
Even if your internal systems are quantum-ready, your organisation’s security is only as strong as its weakest link, often your vendors and supply chain. Cloud providers, payroll processors, CRM vendors, and niche software suppliers hold or process your sensitive data. If their cryptography collapses under quantum attack, your data is exposed and regulators won’t accept vendor failure as an excuse.
Shockingly, only 29% of organisations have assessed their suppliers’ quantum readiness (Capgemini, 2025). This oversight is a ticking time bomb. Organisations must incorporate quantum-readiness clauses in contracts, demand clear PQC migration roadmaps from suppliers, and be prepared to switch partners who cannot meet deadlines. Managing vendor risk in the quantum era is non-negotiable.
Learn more about securing your supply chain here.
Curious to learn which skills are in demand, career pathways and recruitment tips?
The Talent Crunch: Building Quantum-Ready Teams
The biggest barrier to adopting quantum-safe cryptography (PQC) isn’t the technology itself - it’s the shortage of skilled professionals. According to ITPro’s 2025 survey, 46% of enterprises cite lack of quantum security expertise as their top challenge. Implementing PQC requires a diverse mix of specialists from cryptographers and security architects to developers and operations teams all trained in new protocols and systems that are still evolving.
Bridging this skills gap means more than just hiring; it requires building strong connections with academia and innovation clusters. Universities and research centres are pioneering quantum science, producing talent and breakthroughs that organisations can tap into. By collaborating with academic institutions and joining innovation hubs or regional clusters, companies gain early access to fresh knowledge, emerging research, and cutting-edge talent pipelines. Communities like SECURE | CYBER CONNECT play a critical role here — connecting industry, academia, and government to foster collaboration and diversity of thought, helping organisations stay ahead of the curve. Without these partnerships, companies risk costly project delays or rushed rollouts that lack the necessary expertise, jeopardizing their quantum readiness.
Long-Term Data: Protecting Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow
Quantum attackers aren’t just after future data, they are collecting encrypted data now to decrypt later when quantum power arrives. This “harvest now, decrypt later” tactic threatens sensitive information with long confidentiality lifespans, including healthcare records, financial data, intellectual property, and government secrets.
Organisations need immediate strategies to protect this data, such as encrypting it today with quantum-safe algorithms or isolating it in hardened environments. Ignoring legacy data protection risks undermining decades of trust and compliance, especially for regulated industries.
Learn more about the PQC here.
Key Questions Every Board Should Be Asking
To close the gap between awareness and action, boards must actively engage with quantum risk by asking specific, actionable questions:
The Bottom Line
Quantum computing is no longer a distant possibility, it’s an imminent disruption that could unlock unprecedented opportunities and expose catastrophic security risks.
Will your organisation act now to protect the very keys to your digital kingdom, or wait until they fall into the wrong hands?
If this resonates with you and you want to tap into exclusive resources and tailored support available only to SECURE | CYBER CONNECT Community members, reach out directly to Justin (Jay) Adamson or me, we’re here to help you overcome the challenges you face.
Introducing Dr Sarma & Dr Matheus
We’re honored to welcome Dr. Meera Sarma CEO of Cystel, and Dr. Thomas Matheus, Ph.D. CTO of Cystel . Meera brings over 20 years of cyber security expertise, having worked with governments, public sector bodies, and private organizations on issues ranging from cyber terrorism and cyber warfare to hacking trends and quantum computing. She holds a PhD in Information Systems from Royal Holloway, University of London, and advises the UK Parliamentary Office of Science and Technology on cybersecurity and quantum topics.
Thomas Matteus has more than 27 years of experience in strategic management and IT, including work with the German Military Police and defense research. He holds a PhD from Warwick University and certifications in quantum computing from MIT. As Cystel’s CTO, Thomas spearheads cutting-edge projects that develop quantum-ready cybersecurity strategies to help organizations anticipate and combat emerging threats. Cystel is a leader in quantum-ready cybersecurity innovation. With quantum computing advancing rapidly, threatening current encryption standards, Cystel develops practical solutions to prepare businesses for this looming challenge. Their mission is to build resilient security frameworks that protect digital infrastructure from future quantum attacks, fostering trust and stability in an evolving cyber landscape.
Why This Episode is a Must-Watch & Value You’ll Gain:
we explore the quantum cybersecurity crisis and what CEOs, technology leaders, and security professionals must know to stay ahead. Our guests share insights on quantum risks, hacker motivations, governance challenges, and actionable steps for managing quantum-related threats. Listeners will come away with expert guidance to future-proof their organizations and build a secure, quantum-ready cybersecurity posture.
📺 Watch Full Session Here: https://youtu.be/Kk6lMT9tPdk?si=IT89PDw6YMoLRmb0
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Cyber Community Connector | Podcast Host | Head of Information & Cyber Security Recruitment | ECS & GTM Team Builder
1wFrom what I’ve seen and heard across industries, the quantum challenge is accelerating faster than many realise. Boards that proactively integrate agile governance with a clear focus on innovation, not just risk avoidance are best positioned to lead. It’s about creating a culture where leadership, technology, and people work together seamlessly to turn quantum risks into real business opportunities. The organisations that invest early in education, cross-sector collaboration, and strategic alignment will not only protect their data but also gain a lasting competitive edge.
The talent gap in quantum cyber security is a critical bottleneck. Success hinges on bridging academia, industry, and innovation hubs to cultivate interdisciplinary skills. How can we work together to make this space more diverse? (Share your thoughts)
Quantum risk is no longer just a tech issue, it demands urgent board-level focus and cross-sector collaboration. Warren Atkinson shares 10 crucial questions every board should be asking to build resilient, quantum-ready teams. We'd love to hear from our network: How is your organisation fostering a culture that stays ahead through education and innovation?