TECH NEWS | Singapore sets 2035 target for quantum-safe security
The announcements highlight the need for organizations to prepare for the potential impact of quantum computing on existing encryption systems, even before sufficiently powerful quantum computers become available.
Singapore will issue guidance encouraging organizations beyond critical information infrastructure operators to transition to quantum-safe systems by 2035, alongside a grant to support early pilot projects, as the government steps up preparations for emerging cryptographic threats.
Minister for Digital Development and Information Josephine Teo announced the target and the Quantum-Safe Kickstarter Grant. The Cyber Security Agency of Singapore (CSA) also issued an advisory calling on exposed organizations to have a quantum-safe migration plan in place by the end of 2027.
The announcements highlight the need for organizations to prepare for the potential impact of quantum computing on existing encryption systems, even before sufficiently powerful quantum computers become available.
Takanori Nishiyama, Keeper Security’s senior vice president for Asia-Pacific and Japan country manager, said organizations should not wait for quantum computing to mature before upgrading their security infrastructure.
“Cybercriminals are already executing ‘harvest now, decrypt later’ cyber attacks, intercepting and archiving encrypted enterprise data with the intention of unlocking it once quantum computing matures,” Nishiyama said.
The approach involves collecting encrypted information today in the expectation that future computing capabilities could make it possible to decrypt the data. Information that must remain confidential for many years could therefore face long-term exposure if it is protected by cryptographic methods vulnerable to future attacks.
Nishiyama said migrating legacy infrastructure takes time, making early preparation important for organizations handling sensitive information.
Crypto-agility and layered defenses
Nishiyama identified crypto-agility — the ability to update cryptographic algorithms and keys without disrupting business operations — as a key part of quantum-safe migration.
He cautioned against relying on rigid defenses built around a single algorithm, arguing that organizations need flexible systems that can accommodate evolving post-quantum cryptographic standards.
A hybrid security model that combines quantum-resistant algorithms with conventional encryption can help organizations maintain protection while preparing for future changes, he said.
Practical preparation should begin with an inventory of existing cryptographic systems, an assessment of third-party vendors’ post-quantum security plans and stronger protection for high-value access points.
Nishiyama also recommended identity and access management systems that use quantum-resistant encryption, along with privileged access management controls to limit unauthorized access and lateral movement if a breach occurs.
These measures would help organizations manage access to sensitive systems while updating their cryptographic infrastructure.
Deepfake fraud underscores immediate risks
In the same speech, Teo cited a case in which a professional transferred nearly S$5 million after participating in a video meeting that appeared to involve Prime Minister Lawrence Wong but was actually a deepfake, according to the supplied announcement summary.
The case illustrates a separate but related security challenge: digital systems can be exploited through both weaknesses in technical safeguards and deception targeting people.
Quantum-safe migration addresses the long-term resilience of cryptographic protection, while identity security controls can help limit access to sensitive systems and reduce the potential damage caused by compromised credentials.
Organizations therefore face two distinct priorities: preparing encryption systems for future quantum threats and strengthening existing defenses against current fraud and identity-based attacks.
Full disclosure: All news articles published on the TechSabado website are written by human journalists, unless otherwise specified. Final text editing is also performed by human editors, with artificial intelligence (AI) used only to assist with additional grammar and style guide corrections..
————————————————————————-
TEN YEARS OF TECHSABADO!
PLEASE LIKE our FACEBOOK PAGE and SUBSCRIBE to OUR YOUTUBE & SPOTIFY channels.
WATCH TECHSABADO ON OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL:
WE ARE ALSO ON SPOTIFY
WATCH OUR OTHER YOUTUBE CHANNELS:
PLEASE LIKE our FACEBOOK PAGE and SUBSCRIBE to OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL.
