Store Now, Decrypt Later — The Quantum Computing Threat

In cybersecurity, a new and serious attack has emerged: "Store Now, Decrypt Later" (SNDL). Enabled by the rapid progress of quantum computers, this strategy could make much of today's encrypted data vulnerable in the not-so-distant future.

The rise of quantum computing and SNDL marks a new era in cybersecurity, fundamentally shifting the threat landscape and demanding updated cryptography practices.

But what exactly is SNDL, and why does it pose such a significant risk to our current encryption standards? Let's explore the challenge and how the security community is responding.

Understanding Classical Encryption

Modern encryption methods like RSA and Elliptic Curve Cryptography (ECC) form the backbone of digital security. These systems rely on mathematical problems that are computationally intensive for classical computers—for example, factoring large prime numbers (RSA) or solving elliptic curve equations (ECC).

Today's encryption assumes that without the right key, decoding this data would take classical computers thousands or millions of years. But that assumption doesn't hold in a quantum future. Quantum computers possess a quantum advantage, enabling them to solve problems like factoring large numbers much faster than classical computers, which undermines current encryption.

Introduction to Quantum Computing

Quantum computers represent a groundbreaking leap in technology, harnessing the principles of quantum mechanics to process information in fundamentally new ways. Unlike classical computers, which use bits that exist as either 0 or 1, quantum computers use qubits—units that can exist in multiple states at once thanks to superposition and entanglement. This unique property allows quantum computers to perform complex calculations and analyze vast amounts of data in parallel, far surpassing the capabilities of traditional computers for certain tasks.

The potential applications of quantum computers are vast, ranging from revolutionizing scientific research to transforming industries like logistics and pharmaceuticals. However, one of the most significant threats posed by quantum computers is to data security. Because of their immense computational power, quantum computers could break widely used encryption algorithms that protect sensitive data today. This looming threat to cryptography means that organizations and individuals must rethink how they store and secure their data, as the arrival of quantum computers could render current encryption methods obsolete.

In 1994, mathematician Peter Shor introduced an algorithm that, when run on a powerful enough quantum computer, could efficiently factor large numbers— breaking RSA and similar encryption schemes.

Quantum Computing and National Security

Quantum computing is rapidly emerging as a significant threat to national security, fundamentally challenging the protection of confidential data. The "store now, decrypt later" (SNDL) approach is particularly concerning for governments and organizations that rely on current encryption algorithms to safeguard confidential information. Adversaries are already capturing encrypted data—ranging from state secrets to intellectual property—with the intention of decrypting it once powerful quantum computers become available. Cybercriminals are already storing encrypted data with the intention to decrypt it using quantum techniques in the future.

Unlike traditional computers, quantum computers can solve complex mathematical problems, such as factoring large prime numbers, at unprecedented speeds. This capability undermines the security of widely used encryption algorithms like RSA, which are foundational to data security across government, defense, and critical infrastructure. The risk is not just theoretical; the looming threat of quantum-enabled attacks means that data that has been encrypted today could be exposed in the future, jeopardizing national security and economic competitiveness.

To address this significant threat, governments and organizations must act now to implement post-quantum cryptography. By adopting quantum-resistant algorithms and updating cryptographic protocols, it is possible to protect sensitive data against future attacks. The transition to post-quantum cryptography is a national imperative, ensuring that confidential information, intellectual property, and critical systems remain secure in the face of advancing quantum technology.

Proactive investment in quantum cryptography and robust cybersecurity measures will be essential to defend against the evolving quantum threat landscape.

What is the "Store Now, Decrypt Later" Threat?

SNDL refers to a tactic where adversaries collect encrypted data today with the goal of decrypting it in the future once quantum computing matures.

Here's how the attack works:

• Harvest encrypted data: Sensitive communications, government documents, corporate IP, or personal records are intercepted and stored—even if unreadable now.
• Wait for quantum capability: Once quantum machines become viable, adversaries will be able to decrypt years of historical data in bulk.
• Exploit retroactively: Confidential information that was thought to be secure—financials, state secrets, or health records—can suddenly be exposed, long after it was originally sent or stored.

This retroactive decryption creates a temporal threat surface—data that's secure today but vulnerable tomorrow.

Why It Matters Now

Even though powerful quantum computers may still be years away, the data you're encrypting today could still be at risk—especially if it needs to remain confidential for 5, 10, or 20 years.

Key risks include:

• Long-term sensitivity: Medical, legal, government, and military data often require decades of confidentiality.
• Economic fallout: Trade secrets or R&D data exposed retroactively could undermine competitive advantages.
• National security: Classified communications may be stockpiled now and weaponized in the future.
• Public trust: Confidence in digital infrastructure could erode if quantum decryption becomes real without defenses in place.

How to Defend Against SNDL: Quantum-Resistant Strategies

The good news is that the cybersecurity industry is actively preparing. Here are four core strategies to mitigate the SNDL threat:

1. Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC)

These are new cryptographic algorithms that resist attacks from both classical and quantum computers. The U.S. NIST is leading global efforts to standardize these algorithms, with finalists like CRYSTALS-Kyber and Dilithium expected to be widely adopted.

2. Quantum Key Distribution (QKD)

QKD uses principles of quantum mechanics to exchange encryption keys with provable security. While extremely secure, it requires specialized hardware and is currently best suited for high-security, short-distance applications.

3. Hybrid Cryptography

Combining classical and post-quantum algorithms adds redundancy and resilience. This is useful during the transitional period, ensuring protection even if one algorithm is compromised.

4. Cryptographic Agility

Design systems that can rapidly switch encryption algorithms as new standards emerge. Products with cryptographic agility—like those from Cellcrypt—enable organizations to future-proof their communications infrastructure.

Start Preparing Today

The "Store Now, Decrypt Later" threat reframes encryption from a short-term concern into a multi-decade risk management issue. It demands a forward-looking strategy—especially for organizations handling sensitive or high-value data.

To begin preparing:

• Inventory your cryptographic assets and identify long-term data sensitivity.
• Monitor PQC standards and developments from organizations like NIST.
• Choose secure communication platforms that offer post-quantum protection and agility.
• Don't delay—quantum readiness is a long game, and those who start now will have the upper hand.

Conclusion: Secure the Future Today

Quantum computing will reshape the landscape of data security. While it brings breakthroughs in science and computation, it also introduces new threats to the encryption methods we've relied on for decades.

By understanding the SNDL threat and proactively adopting post-quantum strategies, we can secure today's data against tomorrow's threats.

Cellcrypt is at the forefront of this transition—offering communication solutions designed with quantum resistance and agility in mind. The future of encryption is being written today. Are you ready for it?