Access Gartner® 4 steps toward postquantum readiness

Quantum readiness generally starts with establishing clear governance for cryptography, gaining visibility into where cryptography is used, defining a phased transition approach, and ensuring third parties follow comparable standards. Together, these steps create a structured path from initial assessment to long-term preparedness.

Organizations evaluate exposure by identifying systems and data that depend on public-key cryptography, understanding the sensitivity and longevity of that data, and determining which assets would be most impacted if current protections become ineffective. The goal is prioritization, not prediction.

Because organizations cannot protect or migrate what they cannot see. A cryptographic inventory establishes visibility into algorithms, keys, certificates, and dependencies across environments, forming the foundation for risk assessment and future planning.

Quantum readiness shifts cryptography from a static technical choice to a managed strategic capability. This enables organizations to plan for multiple future transitions, reduce long-term risk, and build security architectures designed for continuous change.