As quantum computing advances, traditional encryption methods face potential obsolescence, prompting a dilemma for organizations on whether to invest in quantum-resistant algorithms. Amidst industry hesitance, the Signal Protocol team has successfully updated its encryption to enhance quantum resistance, showcasing a significant engineering achievement. This development marks a notable step toward securing private communications against future quantum threats.

Harvest now, decrypt later (HNDL) attacks represent a significant risk as attackers collect encrypted data today, anticipating the future capabilities of quantum computers to break the encryption. This stealthy approach allows them to exploit sensitive information once quantum computing becomes advanced enough to decrypt previously captured data. Organizations must proactively adopt post-quantum cryptographic measures to safeguard against this looming threat.