Seven Swans-a-Swimming Toward Quantum Readiness

 12 Days of Christmas Predictions for 2026 — Beyond’s View of What’s Next 

Welcome to Day 7 of our Christmas Predictions for 2026: a series exploring the near-term technological and organisational shifts leaders actually need to plan for. 

Today’s theme is often misunderstood. It’s not about quantum computers breaking the world. It’s about boards finally realising they need a plan before that reality ever arrives. 

2026 marks the moment quantum readiness moves from theory… to strategy. 

On the seventh day of Christmas my true love gave to me, seven swans a-swimming towards quantum readiness

Prediction: Post-Quantum Discussions Move From Theory to Planning 

Let’s be clear: Quantum computers will not be breaking encryption by 2026. 

But something equally important will happen: Boards, CIOs, CISOs and risk committees will begin asking the difficult, structural, long-term questions about how organisations are going to safeguard their systems in a post-quantum world. 

This is the year where: 

• cryptographic inventories become mandatory 

• horizon plans appear in board papers 

• vendors begin offering quantum-safe defaults 

• digital asset mapping becomes part of risk management 

• quantum-readiness becomes the new cyber hygiene 

The shift is slow, but strategic. 

Why Quantum Planning Accelerates in 2026 

1. Regulators & governments are sounding early alarms 

The US National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has already begun rolling out post-quantum cryptography (PQC) standards, and several governments are signaling transition timelines. 

Gartner predicts that: “By 2026, 30% of organisations will have begun formal post-quantum risk assessments.” 

2026 is all about the preparation. 

2. The “harvest now, decrypt later” threat is real 

Attackers are already stealing encrypted data today, knowing that quantum decryption may be possible in the future. The NSA, CISA and NCSC have all issued warnings that sensitive long-lived data is at risk. 

This affects industries such as: 

• finance 

• defence 

• telecoms 

• pharmaceuticals 

• energy 

• government services 

If your data must remain secure for 10+ years, you need quantum-safe protection now. 

3. Vendors are starting to bake in quantum-safe options 

Microsoft, AWS, Cloudflare, Cisco and Google have all released early-stage PQC integrations, including: 

• hybrid classical/quantum-safe TLS 

• quantum-safe VPN tunnelling 

• PQC-ready key management 

• quantum-resilient certificate authorities 

• quantum-safe hardware security modules (HSMs) 

By the end of 2026, PQC will become the new checkbox on enterprise procurement lists. 

4. Boards are broadening their risk horizon 

McKinsey notes that boards globally are shifting toward “decade-risk” frameworks, incorporating climate, cyber and foundational technological threats. Quantum fits neatly into this strategic lens: low probability today, extremely high impact tomorrow. 

What Quantum Readiness Actually Looks Like in 2026 

1. Know what you have: the cryptographic inventory Most organisations do not know where or how encryption is used across: 

• applications 

• databases 

• APIs 

• cloud platforms 

• internal tools 

• third-party systems 

• legacy platforms 

• code bases 

In 2026, mapping this becomes a strategic priority. 

2. Classify digital assets by lifespan and sensitivity 

Quantum risk is not equal across data. For instance, short-lived marketing data is low risk. long-lived patient or financial data is very high risk. This classification allows staggered migration. 

3. Introduce hybrid encryption paths 

NIST-approved quantum-resistant algorithms running alongside classical encryption. This buys organisations time and reduces migration friction. 

4. Require PQC commitments from vendors and partners 

The supply chain will become a cybersecurity dependency. Quantum readiness must extend beyond internal systems. 

5. Build migration into long-term architectural plans 

You don’t rip and replace encryption overnight. The organisations that will succeed in the quantum era are the ones who start early — slowly, strategically, sensibly. 

Signals Already Emerging 

• Google Chrome has already begun rolling out quantum-resistant cryptography to users. 

• Cloudflare deployed post-quantum key agreements across major services. 

• IBM and Microsoft have launched quantum-safe developer toolkits and migration guidance. 

• The US federal government has mandated quantum transition roadmaps for key agencies. 

Beyond: Putting Data to Work  

Quantum readiness can sound highly technical, but at its core it’s a strategic planning challenge. Organisations need clarity over their data, systems, and risk exposure long before quantum capabilities become mainstream. The real question for leaders is: Are we setting the right pathways now so we’re not forced into costly, reactive change later? 

At Beyond, we help organisations take the practical first steps by: 

• mapping data sensitivity and lifespan to understand future exposure 

• assessing where quantum risk could impact critical decisions and services 

• setting out long-term transition pathways, aligned to business and AI strategy 

• evaluating current vendor roadmaps and preparedness at a high level 

• strengthening architectures and governance so they can evolve as quantum-safe standards mature 

  
  

Our focus is on helping leaders build visibility, shape a forward-looking AI-and-beyond vision, and prepare the foundations for an eventual shift — without overengineering or overinvesting too early. 

If you'd like to explore how to future-proof your data and systems roadmap, we’d be happy to help. And in the meantime Happy New Year's Eve. See you in 2026!