Canada Charts a Course for Post-Quantum Cryptography: Why It Matters Now
Quantum computing is no longer a far-off academic experiment. It's an approaching reality that will break many of the cryptographic foundations we rely on to protect sensitive data. Recognizing this, the Canadian Centre for Cyber Security has released a roadmap for migrating to post-quantum cryptography (PQC), offering clear guidance for government departments and agencies to prepare before it's too late. At Critical Path Security, we've been tracking these developments closely, helping our clients understand the operational impacts of PQC while cutting through the quantum hype. Here's what you need to know. What the Canadian Roadmap Says The guidance outlines a staged approach: Inventory and assessment: Identify where cryptography is used, what data is protected, and which systems will need PQC migration. Develop a transition plan: Prioritize systems based on sensitivity and exposure to long-term confidentiality risks. Test and integrate PQC: Begin testing candidate PQC algorithms alongside existing cryptography to evaluate…