5 Big Things To Know About Post-Quantum Security In 2026

Here are five of the biggest takeaways about the expected threat from quantum computers to data security, as well as the main steps that solution providers and customers need to be taking now.

The already long-awaited arrival of quantum computing technology that is capable of defeating existing data encryption still doesn’t have a firm date, and it’s possible that it never will. But the need to prepare for the quantum paradigm shift—and the first steps that are most necessary to take—are already coming clearly into focus, solution provider and vendor executives told CRN.

As part of CRN’s Cybersecurity Week 2026, we’ve pulled together details on five of the biggest aspects of the expected threat from quantum computers to data security, as well as the main steps that solution providers and customers need to be taking now.

[Related: AI May Be Dominating Cybersecurity, But Quantum Preparations Can’t Wait: Analysis]

One of the most fundamental aspects of the transition to post-quantum security is that it promises to entail a lengthy process to successfully make the shift, meaning that there is some urgency involved here, executives said.