IBM & Palo Alto Networks launch solution for quantum threats
Palo Alto Networks and IBM have announced plans to jointly launch a Quantum-Safe Readiness solution to help enterprises address the security risks posed by the emergence of quantum computing.
The partnership will combine IBM's quantum security services with Palo Alto Networks' network-level cryptographic capabilities, aiming to provide organisations with greater insights and control over their cryptographic infrastructure and support the transition to quantum-resistant standards.
Quantum risk
The advance of quantum technology has heightened businesses' concerns about the longevity of current encryption systems. Traditional cryptographic methods may become vulnerable as quantum computers gain the capability to break existing algorithms, creating challenges for securing sensitive or regulated data. The new solution is designed to assist organisations in identifying cryptographic assets and understanding the specific risks posed by quantum computing to those assets across both cloud and on-premises environments.
According to Palo Alto Networks, the combined service will help enterprises inventory cryptographic usage, assess vulnerabilities, and provide real-time protection for communications at risk of compromise from quantum attacks. The aim is to facilitate a structured approach towards transitioning from quantum-vulnerable algorithms to quantum-safe alternatives.
Service approach
Central to the solution is the integration of IBM's Quantum Safe Transformation services with the cryptographic intelligence capabilities of Palo Alto Networks' security products. This blend is intended to enable a detailed assessment of cryptographic exposure and to develop step-by-step migration plans.
The service will also introduce real-time safeguards using Palo Alto Networks' Cipher Translation capability, which is designed to upgrade susceptible encryption algorithms in live communications to quantum-resistant forms.
IBM's team will use data from this enhanced visibility to map assets and set out methods for migration, incorporating risk analysis into the creation of a strategic roadmap for quantum-safe readiness.
Enterprise transition
The process of migrating to new, quantum-safe cryptographic standards is described as complex and potentially resource-intensive for large organisations. The companies argue that planning ahead will help limit exposure to future threats, particularly as artificial intelligence and massive datasets increase the stakes for data security.
"Our customers need a comprehensive, practical roadmap to a quantum-safe future and the experts to help them execute it. This collaboration provides just that by integrating our platform's deep cryptographic visibility and unique cipher translation capabilities with IBM's renowned quantum-safe services," said Anand Oswal, EVP, Network & AI Security Products, Palo Alto Networks. "Our cutting-edge solution will be able to immediately identify an organization's risk from a cryptographically relevant quantum computer and apply controls to protect their most vulnerable assets today, buying them critical time to execute a full migration."
Strategic planning
The firms contend that quantum-safe security is not a single change but a sustained enterprise-wide transition. The approach is structured to support organisations as they adapt their infrastructure and operations to manage current and future risks posed by quantum computing.
IBM plans to deliver its quantum consulting services alongside Palo Alto Networks' technical controls to help clients address immediate risks and develop longer-term strategies. This collaboration is positioned to address concerns about potential "harvest-now, decrypt-later" attacks, in which malicious actors may capture encrypted data now to decrypt it later using quantum computers.
"Becoming 'quantum safe' is not a single event; it's a strategic enterprise transformation. This collaboration with Palo Alto Networks is critical because it delivers the foundational network visibility and control needed for that journey," said Mark Hughes, Global Managing Partner, IBM Consulting Cybersecurity Services. "Together, we are providing clients with the strategic roadmap and the technical controls necessary to manage their cryptographic transition to protect against harvest-now, decrypt-later attacks and build a secure foundation for innovation in the quantum era."
