Jan. 15, 2026 –
By Christophe Nicolas, Kudelski Labs
Decades of captured data and IP face future exposure from harvest-now, decrypt-later attacks. Products and systems built today need quantum-resistant security integrated from design through deployment.
The semiconductor industry faces an unprecedented security challenge that demands immediate attention. While quantum computing has long been confined to theoretical discussions and laboratory experiments, recent advancements signal its imminent arrival as a practical reality. For manufacturers producing devices with operational lifespans extending into the next decade and beyond, the time to prepare for quantum-resistant security is now.
The Quantum Threat Is Already Here
The most pressing concern for manufacturers is not when quantum computers will arrive, but rather the "harvest now, decrypt later" attacks already underway. Malicious actors are currently collecting encrypted data from manufacturing systems, supply chain communications, and product designs, then storing it for future decryption when quantum computers become available. This silent, long-term threat means that sensitive intellectual property, customer data, and proprietary manufacturing processes captured today could be exposed tomorrow.