What General Counsel Need to Know about Quantum Computing
Quantum computing may still feel futuristic, but the cybersecurity and legal risks associated with it are already shaping conversations within organizations. In an article for Today’s General Counsel, Woods Rogers Cybersecurity & Data Privacy attorney Phillip Harmon explains why in-house legal teams should start preparing now for the transition to a post-quantum world.
The article explores how quantum computing differs from traditional computing and why its eventual ability to break current encryption methods could create significant cybersecurity and data protection challenges for businesses. Phillip outlines how “harvest now, decrypt later” attacks could expose sensitive information years after it is collected, making long-term data security planning increasingly important.
Phillip also examines the growing push toward post-quantum cryptography standards and offers practical guidance for legal departments evaluating cybersecurity readiness, vendor relationships, and data retention practices.
“Quantum computers and decryption will cause disruptions, but businesses that proactively adopt post-quantum encryption will be better positioned to weather the quantum storm when it arrives,” Phillip writes.
Team
Associate