Quantum-Safe Security: Foundations
Understand quantum risk to encryption and start your move to post-quantum cryptography
A large, error-corrected quantum computer would be able to break much of the encryption that protects today's websites, email, software updates and digital signatures. Nobody knows exactly when such a machine will exist, but the move to new, quantum-safe encryption has already begun, and U.S. standards now set dates for retiring the old methods. This free course from the Enterprise Technology Association (ETA) explains the risk and the response in plain language, and gives you ETA's Quantum-safe readiness steps to start planning.
What you'll learn
- How today's encryption works, in plain language, and which parts quantum computers threaten
- What "harvest now, decrypt later" means and why some data is already at risk
- The new post-quantum cryptography standards from NIST and the timeline for retiring older algorithms
- ETA's Quantum-safe readiness steps: inventory, prioritize, ask vendors, build crypto agility and migrate
- How to spot misleading "quantum-proof" claims and explain the issue to leaders
Who it's for
IT and security staff, leaders, procurement and risk professionals, and anyone who wants to understand quantum risk to security. No math or cryptography background is needed. Quantum Fluency: Foundations is a helpful (optional) companion.
How it works
Two modules with a short Try it exercise in every lesson, a knowledge check at the end of each module and a final assessment. Score 80% or higher on the final assessment to complete the course (1 credit hour).
Standards and deadlines in this course are current as of late 2026. Always check NIST and your regulators for the latest.