Google is replacing outdated encryption across all of its devices, systems, and data with new algorithms that have been vetted by the National Institute of Standards and Technology.
These algorithms, developed over a decade by NIST and independent cryptographers, are designed to protect future quantum computers from attacks.
While Google had said it was on track to secure its systems before the 2035 deadline set by NIST guidelines , last month the company's leaders presented an updated timeline and called on private companies and others to act faster to prepare.
Unlike the federal government, which does not mandate private businesses to use quantum-resistant encryption, Google is warning.
Adkins and Schmieg hope that other companies will see Google's timeline as a warning sign to follow suit.
“As pioneers in both quantum technology and PQC (Post-quantum cryptography), it is our responsibility to lead by example and share an ambitious timeline,” they say.
“In this way, we hope to provide the clarity and urgency needed to accelerate digital transitions not just for Google, but across the industry.”
Thus, the company proposes the use of quantum encryption from 2029.
“This new timeline reflects the migration needs for the PQC era, in light of advances in quantum computing hardware development, quantum error correction, and quantum factorization resource estimates,” said vice president of security engineering Heather Adkins and senior cryptography engineer Sophie Schmieg on the company’s blog.
Although the press releases will range from very select to rare, I said I'd pass...because sometimes the editors hide.
