By Network World
Publication Date: 2026-02-13 01:16:00
However, as the performance of quantum computers grows, so does the threat to current encryption methods. The “harvest now, decrypt later” attack—stealing data today to decrypt it in ten years—is a real danger. IBM and partners such as HSBC are therefore pushing for a ten-year modernization phase toward quantum-secure cryptography standards (post-quantum cryptography).
Intensive research is therefore being conducted in Zurich laboratories on quantum-secure tapes for long-term archiving. These are essential if sensitive data in sectors such as government, military, finance, or healthcare is to be stored for periods of up to 30 years. And they must also be protected from decryption for 10-20 years. IBM researchers are currently considered leaders in the implementation of post-quantum cryptography in tape firmware.
Advances in tape development. On the left is a quantum-secure tape drive.
Hill
In parallel with its research into quantum computers, IBM is promoting…
