AT&T Business is integrating a Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC) solution aligning to NIST standards into its SD-WAN portfolio, a move designed to shield organizations from a potential threat: the decryption of currently captured data by future quantum computers. While large-scale quantum systems are still under development, the security risk is immediate, as information compromised now could remain vulnerable for years. “As enterprises make long term decisions about how their networks will support increasingly sensitive data, quantum related risk can no longer be treated as a distant concern,” said Joe Petrocelli, Vice President of Communication Services, AT&T Business. This proactive approach addresses growing compliance expectations within sectors like finance, healthcare, and the public sector, offering a converged networking and security architecture prepared for evolving threats.
Evolving Quantum Computing Threatens Current Encryption Models
Captured data remains vulnerable for years, even as practical, large-scale quantum computers remain a developing technology; this temporal asymmetry creates an immediate and escalating security risk for organizations handling sensitive information. The longevity of this threat stems from the fact that once data is intercepted, retroactive encryption is impossible, diminishing the window of opportunity for proactive security measures and increasing the pressure on business leaders to address the emerging challenge. Delays in adopting quantum-resistant solutions therefore actively reduce an organization’s control over its security posture, potentially forcing rushed and disruptive transitions later. This integration represents a concrete step toward building quantum-resistant networking capabilities, designed to maintain compliance and safeguard national security interests. This move builds upon AT&T Business’ existing collaboration with Cisco, leveraging their expertise in secure routing and cryptographic innovation to deliver a converged networking and security architecture.
Cisco’s Lee Peterson emphasized the proactive nature of this defense, stating, “Quantum computing represents a threat to today’s ways of securing the network, users, and data, and our collaboration with AT&T Business is about proactive defense.” The Cisco Series Secure Routers are specifically designed to deliver comprehensive quantum-resilient solutions, including encryption, authentication, and secure boot capabilities, all implemented with standards-based compliance in mind.
AT&T and Cisco Collaboration Delivers Resilient SD-WAN
The convergence of networking and security is accelerating as organizations grapple with emerging threats to data confidentiality, even while current quantum computing capabilities remain limited. Traditional encryption methods, foundational to modern networks, face fundamental challenges from anticipated advancements in quantum processing power, creating a pressing need for proactive defense strategies. Data captured presently isn’t simply at risk in the future; its long-term vulnerability necessitates immediate attention from business leaders focused on risk mitigation and regulatory adherence, as intercepted data cannot be retroactively secured. This move demonstrates a concrete step toward quantum-resistant networking, moving beyond theoretical discussions to practical implementation.
As enterprises make long term decisions about how their networks will support increasingly sensitive data, quantum related risk can no longer be treated as a distant concern.
Joe Petrocelli, Vice President of Communication Services, AT&T Business
NIST Standards Drive Post-Quantum Cryptography Integration
AT&T Business is actively embedding post-quantum cryptography (PQC) into its Secure Defined-WAN (SD-WAN) portfolio, a move directly aligned with emerging National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) standards for quantum-resistant algorithms. This isn’t merely a theoretical exercise; the company recognizes the escalating threat to current encryption methods as quantum computing capabilities advance, and is responding with a commercially available solution. The urgency stems from the fact that data intercepted now could remain compromised for years, even after large-scale quantum computers become operational; early adoption of PQC is therefore crucial for maintaining long-term data security and control. A source material emphasizes, “Once encrypted data is intercepted, it cannot be protected later,” highlighting the irreversible nature of the risk. Compliance pressures are also mounting, particularly within heavily regulated sectors like finance, healthcare, and government, where proactive security measures are increasingly expected.
Quantum computing represents a threat to today’s ways of securing the network, users, and data, and our collaboration with AT&T Business is about proactive defense.
Lee Peterson, Vice President of Secure WAN Product Management at Cisco
