In cybersecurity, a new and serious threat is emerging: “Store Now, Decrypt Later” (SNDL). Enabled by the rapid progress of quantum computing, this strategy could make much of today’s encrypted data vulnerable in the not-so-distant future.

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.

Enter Quantum Computing: A Paradigm Shift

Quantum computers operate using qubits, which—unlike classical bits—can represent multiple states at once. This enables them to solve certain problems exponentially faster than classical machines.

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.

While large-scale quantum computers aren’t here yet, the threat is no longer theoretical—it’s only a matter of when, not if.

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?