The subject of quantum computing, its capabilities and what it might mean for previously unbreakable algorithms are at the forefront of DigiCert’s agenda, IoT Insider discovered in an exclusive interview with Deepika Chauhan, Chief Product Officer at DigiCert.
What quantum computing means for cryptography
Quantum computing, which may be initially difficult to get your head around if you’re not used to dealing with complex emerging technologies, is significantly different to classical computers in that they use ‘qubits’ (quantum bits) to perform computations that classical computers are not able to do. A more detailed explanation of the ‘whats, whens and hows’ can be found on IoT Insider’s sister publication, Electronic Specifier.
This is a very simplified explanation of what quantum computers can do. In the context of cryptography, existing encryption methods are based on public key cryptography, ‘PKC’, which creates a shared cryptographic key and digital signatures for proof-of-identity and trust on a network. PKC operates on the knowledge that decrypting these ‘keys’ is impossible for classical computers.
Enter quantum computing, which has the capability to perform computations and process problems much faster, and the issue becomes clear. Although quantum computing has not necessarily been realised, and these algorithms remain safe for now, companies like DigiCert are getting ahead of what they see becoming a potential problem, further down the line – and in the process, protecting their customers.
Digital trust
DigiCert provides a wide portfolio of digital trust solutions for its customers, varying from PKI certificates to certificate management. To establish “digital trust,” the company uses automated validation tools and a validation team that ensures the company is who they say they are; the individual is who they say they are, and so on.

“How can you trust within a company that there is security across servers and devices in an IoT environment?” said Chauhan. “How do you make sure that the devices you’re manufacturing are tamper-proof and not counterfeit? How do you make sure that the software you’re producing which is going on these devices doesn’t run malware?”
Put simply, this is where DigiCert comes in, to perform these tests, and authenticate individuals and organisations.
Importantly, no matter the size of the company that DigiCert serves, keeping devices and networks secure is a universal issue.
“Depending on the type of the company, there are variations of how they’re solving [these issues]. If they’re a device manufacturer, they may be worried about tamper-proof devices,” explained Chauhan.
NIST quantum algorithms
What quantum computing potentially poses for encryption algorithms has not escaped the industry’s notice.
As Chauhan put it: “For a number of years, digital trust has been anchored on encryption algorithms like RSA, and if somebody tries to break them, it would take trillions of years … We know companies that are working on quantum computers that could break those algorithms in a matter of minutes. Imagine your entire world becoming plain text where everyone can see what it is.”
As a result, the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) have recently announced a set of new standards that outline new encryption algorithms designed to ward against the potential threat that quantum computing poses.
DigiCert has subsequently implemented these algorithms, “because we want to make sure our customers have the ability to transition from standard algorithms to quantum-safe algorithms.” This exemplifies the overall approach of anticipating the problems that could occur later down the line, and being prepared for it – something the cybersecurity sector knows all too well.
The finalising of these standards and DigiCert’s own involvement has culminated in more general awareness about quantum computing, shifting from acknowledging it to prioritising it.
“Even as far as two years ago, many customers were saying they didn’t have to worry about [quantum computing],” noted Chauhan. “What we have found this year is that it has really accelerated, and people are making this their top priority.” Particularly in the financial services, she said.
“This is a multiyear journey,” Chauhan concluded. “People are not going to be quantum-safe straight away and even for the most sophisticated tech companies, it’s going to be a journey.”
There’s plenty of other editorial on our sister site, Electronic Specifier! Or you can always join in the conversation by commenting below or visiting our LinkedIn page.