CYBERSECURITY | APAC prepares for quantum threats as encryption faces future risks
The urgency stems from the anticipated ability of quantum computers to rapidly decrypt most modern encryption systems.
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Governments and organizations across Asia Pacific are ramping up efforts to secure data against the growing threat posed by quantum computing, which experts warn could break today’s encryption methods.
“Quantum computing is no longer a futuristic concept,” said Takanori Nishiyama, senior vice president and Japan country manager at Keeper Security. “Nation-states are the most invested players in this space, and quantum breakthroughs could render today’s public-key encryption obsolete in a matter of years.”
The urgency stems from the anticipated ability of quantum computers to rapidly decrypt most modern encryption systems. While these machines are not yet widely available, cybersecurity leaders warn that the so-called “store-now, decrypt-later” strategy—where attackers harvest encrypted data today in hopes of unlocking it in the future—is already a concern.
In response, governments are accelerating development and deployment of quantum-resistant encryption standards. In the U.S., the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) recently released a set of finalized post-quantum encryption algorithms. Japan’s Financial Services Agency has urged domestic banks to evaluate quantum-resistant cryptography (QRC), and national institutions are working toward developing homegrown QRC standards by 2030.
Across Southeast Asia, momentum is building. Singapore launched a National Quantum Safe Network and has been experimenting with satellite-based quantum communication. Malaysia opened its first quantum computing center in 2024, supported by its Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation. Thailand rolled out its Quantum Technology Roadmap covering quantum communication, computing, and sensing. Indonesia, meanwhile, created a national research center for quantum physics in 2022.
“Leaders in the cybersecurity industry are acting now to mitigate risks, as transitioning encryption standards across industries takes years,” Nishiyama said.
Quantum-resistant cryptography is still maturing, but production-grade libraries are beginning to emerge. Analysts at McKinsey estimate the quantum communication market could grow to $14.9 billion by 2035, with post-quantum cryptography contributing $3.4 billion of that total.
Organizations in heavily regulated sectors such as finance, healthcare, and government are being encouraged to start evaluating and integrating quantum-safe strategies into their long-term cybersecurity plans.
