NIST’s Andrew Regenscheid Explains the Transition to Post-Quantum Cryptography

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is driving the adoption of post-quantum cryptography (PQC) standards to safeguard data and internet traffic from potential quantum computer threats. NIST expert Andrew Regenscheid warns that organizations must start preparing for PQC migration due to the "harvest now, decrypt later" risk, where encrypted data can be stored now and decrypted later using a future quantum computer¹. To address this, NIST has developed PQC standards through a rigorous process of global research, public evaluation, and technical review, resulting in algorithms designed for widespread adoption across modern digital systems. The urgency to migrate to PQC is increasing as quantum developments narrow the timeline, making it crucial for organizations to plan their cryptographic migration. This matters to practitioners as it underscores the need for proactive planning to ensure the long-term security of sensitive data.