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Securing Machine Identities in the Quantum Age

Jan

22

2025

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Written by: 

Agnieszka Dyba

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Written by: 

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As organizations accelerate their digital transformation with the increasing use of cloud services, containers, and automated systems, the rise in machine identities has brought both new opportunities and significant cybersecurity risks. These machine identities, if poorly managed, become prime targets for cyberattacks.

Yet many organizations are still struggling with how to define and secure these identities, increasing the risk of potential data breach and system downtime – both of which can result in financial losses and damage to an organization’s brand trust.

Adding to this complexity is the emerging threat of quantum computing. Quantum technology could render current cryptographic systems vulnerable, with quantum computers capable of breaking traditional encryption methods by 2027, according to some estimates. Yet despite the looming deadline, many organizations remain unprepared, with gaps in their post-quantum readiness.

PKI and PQ Trends

Ponemon Institute’s 2024 PKI and Post-Quantum Trends Study, sponsored by Entrust, uncovered critical insights about organizations’ readiness for these challenges:

  1. Lack of ownership: 51% of respondents identified “no clear ownership” as a major barrier to effective public key infrastructure (PKI) deployment and management.
  2. Cloud and IoT: These technologies remain the top drivers for PKI adoption, for the fourth consecutive year.
  3. Quantum threat: Organizations are slow to prepare for the quantum threat. 27% of organizations have not yet considered the quantum threat, while 23% are aware but have yet to develop a strategy.
  4. Preparation for PQC: 61% of global organizations plan to migrate to post-quantum cryptography (PQC) within five years, but many are still in the early stages, focusing on strategy and asset assessment.
  5. Visibility and technology gaps: Only 45% of respondents say their organization has full visibility into their cryptographic estate, and only 50% have the technology needed to support the larger key lengths and computing power required for PQC.

Next Steps

To effectively manage machine identities and prepare for the transition to PQC, we recommend you plan your security strategy with these key points in mind:

  • Evaluate your security models: Start considering how prepared your security architecture is for post-quantum challenges. Take the Entrust Post-Quantum Readiness Assessment to identify any vulnerabilities or dependencies that may need to be addressed before implementing quantum-resistant algorithms.
  • Inventory and assess existing cryptographic systems: Begin by evaluating your current cryptographic assets, such as certificates and algorithms used in machine identities. Assess their security and readiness for PQC.
  • Develop a machine identity management strategy: Create a strategy for managing machine identities throughout their lifecycle. This involves managing device authentication and security certificates and ensuring systems are adaptable to future cryptographic standards.
  • Enhance certificate management: Implement a robust digital certificate management system to ensure all machine identities are securely protected with the appropriate cryptographic algorithms, for smoother migration.
  • Consolidate your PKI footprint: Simplify your PKI to ease the PQC migration process.
  • Plan for automation: Aim for 100% automation across your organization, using a hybrid approach if necessary to address different needs.
  • Educate your employees: Insufficient skills were one of the top challenges to deploying and managing PKI according to the Ponemon Institute’s 2024 PKI and Post-Quantum Trends Study. Make sure your IT teams are trained to understand machine identity management practices and the upcoming transition to PQC.

Taking these steps now will ensure a smoother transition to a secure post-quantum future.

Don’t Leave Your Organization PQ Vulnerable

To mitigate the risks posed by machine identity vulnerabilities and quantum computing, we invite you to join our upcoming webinar, Don't Let Your Business Go Dark: Securing Machine Identities in the Quantum Age, or contact our security experts for further information. Our experts will share actionable insights on securing machine identities and transitioning to PQC, ensuring your organization is prepared for the future.

Agnieszka Dyba headshot
Agnieszka Dyba

Agnieszka Dyba is a Product Marketing Manager for Certificate Solutions at Entrust. The Certificate Solutions portfolio supports businesses as they strive to establish a higher level of public and private trust. Agnieszka is responsible for driving the product marketing strategy and communications for direct customers and partners for select public trust products within the portfolio. She has been working in the high-tech sector for 16 years, holds a master's degree in economics, and is fluent in four languages.

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