Italian technology firm Italtel is urging organizations to begin preparing for quantum-related cybersecurity threats now, even though fully functional quantum computers capable of breaking current encryption remain years away. The company hosted a webinar with AUSED on September 16 to address the need for proactive framing it not as a one-time project, but as a continuous process of building adaptable infrastructures.
“Quantum Readiness is not about waiting for the arrival of a cryptographically relevant quantum computer,” explained Italtel representatives, “It is about building the ability to anticipate change and adapt infrastructures, technologies and processes over time.” This shift in focus comes as the threat to public-key cryptography, the foundation of secure digital identities and key exchange, becomes increasingly apparent.
“Harvest Now, Decrypt Later” Scenario Drives Long-Term Preparation
The potential for retroactive decryption of current data, the “Harvest Now, Decrypt Later” scenario, is driving immediate preparation for quantum-resistant cybersecurity, even before powerful quantum computers exist. Sensitive information encrypted faces the risk of long-term storage by adversaries until quantum computing capabilities mature enough to break existing encryption. This threat extends beyond a distant future possibility, making current cryptographic agility essential for organizations assessing data sensitivity and confidentiality lifecycles.
Italtel frames this as a strategic, continuous process, rather than a one-time technology project. Fabrizio Bianchi, Italtel’s technical and project manager, describes quantum-safe solutions as a strategic pillar for the company, focusing on building crypto-agile designs that allow for algorithm replacement as post-quantum standards solidify.
This approach anticipates a progressive transition, aligning with the evolving landscape of quantum technologies, cryptographic standards, and emerging threat scenarios. Italtel, founded in 1921 and headquartered in Milan, is positioning itself to support organizations in evaluating quantum-safe technologies and designing adaptable infrastructures. The company’s approach centers on a gradual migration, prioritizing backward compatibility and coordinating across complex supply chains where standardization remains a challenge.
Pietro Urbano Mimmo, Head of Strategic Marketing & Innovation at Italtel, provided an overview of the quantum computing landscape during a webinar hosted with AUSED on September 16, outlining the expected evolution of computing capabilities, the company says. “Quantum Readiness: Where to Start?” was a key question addressed during the event, highlighting the urgency of initiating preparation.
Italtel Roadmap: From Cryptographic Assessment to Crypto-Agility
Italtel proposes a phased approach to quantum-safe security beginning with a detailed inventory of existing cryptographic assets, dependencies, and vulnerabilities within an organization’s infrastructure. This initial assessment, according to the company, prioritizes identifying sensitive data and applications to define business risk and guide subsequent technology selection. Beyond simply adopting new algorithms, Italtel advocates evaluating a combination of technologies including Post-Quantum Cryptography, Quantum Key Distribution and Symmetric Key Encryption/Data Encryption Key schemes, tailoring the mix to specific security needs and existing systems.
A core tenet of Italtel’s roadmap is crypto-agility, defined as the ability to smoothly update or replace cryptographic components without disrupting existing applications or services, according to the company. Rather than a complete overhaul, the company suggests building modular architectures capable of evolving as quantum technologies and standards mature.
This strategy acknowledges that the transition will be gradual, aligning with existing technology refresh cycles and recognizing the ongoing evolution of quantum computing capabilities and associated threat scenarios. “Architecture, governance and ecosystem management” are integral to this integrated approach, extending beyond individual technology adoption. Effective quantum readiness, Italtel asserts, demands centralized governance to provide visibility and control over cryptographic assets, policies and technology choices. The company emphasizes the need to extend risk assessment beyond an organization’s immediate infrastructure to encompass its entire supply chain.
This comprehensive view acknowledges that vulnerabilities can originate from third-party components and services. “The roadmap discussed during the webinar starts with assessment and risk prioritization and progresses towards the gradual adoption of quantum-safe technologies,” while coordinating with existing transformation cycles, ensuring a sustainable and adaptable security posture.
Quantum Readiness Requires Integrated Architecture and Ecosystem Governance
Italtel advocates for a phased approach to quantum readiness, emphasizing that effective preparation extends beyond simply selecting new algorithms. The company’s roadmap prioritizes a thorough evaluation of existing cryptographic assets, recognizing that vulnerabilities often reside within complex, interconnected systems. A core component of this strategy is building adaptable infrastructures, allowing organizations to smoothly update or replace cryptographic elements as post-quantum standards solidify.
This modularity is intended to align with existing technology refresh cycles, minimizing disruption during the transition. The company, with approximately 1050 employees and led by chief executive Carlo Filangieri, positions this as a proactive measure, stating that preparation should begin with understanding current exposure and defining priorities., the company says.
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