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Yes. Someone can copy encrypted data now and keep it in case future advances let them decrypt it—a risk known as “harvest now, decrypt later” (HNDL). The concern is especially relevant to information that must stay confidential for years and is protected by quantum-vulnerable public-key cryptography. This does not mean that current encryption has already been broken, and no one knows when a quantum computer capable of breaking such cryptography will exist.
How encrypted data could become readable later
An attacker does not need to decrypt a message when it is intercepted. They can store the ciphertext and wait for a future capability that could reveal its contents. The data may be exposed later even if it was encrypted correctly when captured. NIST describes this as a “harvest now, decrypt later” threat; it is a reason to consider how long information needs protection, not evidence that attackers can currently read it (NIST: What Is Post-Quantum Cryptography?).
The concern addressed by post-quantum cryptography (PQC) is chiefly public-key cryptography vulnerable to sufficiently capable quantum computers. It would be inaccurate to conclude that every kind of encryption or every encrypted file is equally at risk. NIST’s migration guidance focuses on replacing vulnerable public-key algorithms with quantum-resistant standards.
Who should be most concerned about HNDL?
The key question is how long the information must remain secret. If it will still be sensitive years from now, an attacker could retain a copy today and try to decrypt it later. NIST identifies health records, financial data, intellectual property, and national-security information as examples of data that may warrant priority.
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- Brute-Force Password Attack Protection - Data is automatically erased after 6 failed access attempts. The data and encryption key are securely destroyed and the crypto drive is reset
- Rugged Double-Layer Waterproof* Design - Protects the crypto drive against knocks, drops, break-in and submerging in water. The electronics are shielded by a hardended inner case. The rubberised silicone outer casing provides a final layer of protection
- Auto-lock - The crypto drive will automatically encrypt all data and lock when removed from a PC/Mac or when the screen saver or "computer lock" function is activated on the host PC/Mac
- Secure Entry - Data cannot be accessed without the correct high-strength alphanumeric 8-16 character password. A password hint option is available. The password hint cannot match the password
For an organization, weigh the data’s sensitivity and confidentiality lifetime alongside the systems that handle it, the impact of exposure, and the feasibility of migration. A system that holds long-lived sensitive data deserves closer attention than one whose information quickly loses value. NIST’s migration FAQ recommends identifying important data and understanding where vulnerable cryptography is used before setting priorities (NIST NCCoE: Migration to Post-Quantum Cryptography).
When might a quantum computer break current public-key cryptography?
There is no dependable date. NIST says the timeline for a cryptographically relevant quantum computer is unknown, and estimates vary widely. Some researchers consider it possible in less than 10 years, but that is one possibility—not a forecast or a deadline to plan around (NIST: What Is Post-Quantum Cryptography?).
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- Brute-Force Password Attack Protection - Data is automatically erased after 6 failed access attempts. The data and encryption key are securely destroyed and the crypto drive is reset
- Auto-lock - The crypto drive will automatically encrypt all data and lock when removed from a PC/Mac or when the screen saver or "computer lock" function is activated on the host PC/Mac
- Secure Entry - Data cannot be accessed without the correct high-strength alphanumeric 8-16 character password. A password hint option is available. The password hint cannot match the password
- SuperSpeed USB 3.0 - Transfer all your confidential files and folders faster than ever before. Works on both PC & Mac
Waiting for a firm arrival date is risky for long-lived secrets. NIST notes that integrating new algorithms into information systems has historically taken 10 to 20 years. That figure describes past integration experience, not a prediction that today’s migration will take exactly that long.
What post-quantum standards are available?
NIST released its first three finalized PQC standards in 2024 and says they are ready to implement. The NCCoE FAQ names them as:
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- Certified to FIPS 197 - U.S. Government Approved High Level Information Security Standard.
- Protection against brute force password attacks - Data is automatically erased after 6 unsuccessful access attempts. The data of the USB flash drive type c encryption with dual connectors is destroyed and the cryptographic drive is reset.
- Durable dual-layer waterproof design* — Protects the crypto reader from bumps, drops, run-in and immersion in water. The electronics are protected by a hardened internal case. Rubberized silicone outer case provides a final layer of protection.
- Auto-Lock —The cryptographic key automatically encrypts all data and locks when removed from a PC/Mac or when screen protection or "computer lock" is enabled.
- Secure Entry —Data on these flash drives cannot be accessed without the correct alphanumeric password of 8 to 16 characters. A password indication option is available for this flash drive. The hint cannot match the password.
- FIPS 203 (ML-KEM): a standard for key encapsulation.
- FIPS 204 (ML-DSA): a standard for digital signatures.
- FIPS 205 (SLH-DSA): a standard for digital signatures.
Standards being ready does not mean every device, application, service, or supplier has adopted them. Organizations need to plan for systems that rely on vulnerable public-key algorithms and coordinate changes across their technology environments (NIST NCCoE: Migration to Post-Quantum Cryptography).
How organizations can protect data now
NIST encourages organizations to begin transitioning to its standards. A practical first step is to find out which information must remain secret longest and which systems protect or process it. Then build a migration plan around that exposure rather than treating every asset as equally urgent.
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- Multi-Password Option with Complex/Passphrase modes: Offers flexible password configuration options to meet various security requirements and user preferences
- New Passphrase Mode: Enhanced security feature allowing users to create longer, more memorable password phrases for easier access without compromising protection
- Dual Read-Only (Write-Protect) Settings: Enables write protection functionality to prevent accidental data modification or deletion when needed
- Prioritize long-lived sensitive data. Identify information such as health records, financial data, intellectual property, or national-security information, and establish how long it must remain confidential.
- Inventory cryptographic use. Locate public-key algorithms and the assets and dependencies involved, including keys, certificates, protocols, libraries, hardware security modules, and components that rely on cryptographic protection. NIST warns that without an inventory, an organization cannot effectively prioritize migration (NIST NCCoE: Migration to Post-Quantum Cryptography).
- Rank systems by risk and feasibility. Consider data sensitivity and required secrecy, where vulnerable public-key cryptography is used, exposure and impact, and the readiness of the vendor or supplier.
- Set a migration roadmap. Plan how systems will move to NIST’s PQC standards, taking account of hardware, software, services, and dependencies—not just one application or encryption setting.
- Ask vendors about their plans. Request clear information on PQC support and migration timelines for products and services that handle long-lived sensitive data.
NIST’s project guidance recommends understanding where quantum-vulnerable public-key algorithms are used across hardware, software, and services, then developing roadmaps that prioritize its PQC algorithms (NIST NCCoE: Migration to Post-Quantum Cryptography). NIST mathematician Dustin Moody, who heads its PQC standardization project, said: “We encourage organizations to begin their transition to these standards immediately to ensure their data remains secure in the quantum era” (NIST, August 2024).
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What individuals can do
There is no universal consumer setting or physical device established here that makes all existing encrypted data quantum-safe. For services and products that hold information you need to keep private for years, look for providers that explain their PQC migration plans and support timelines. An “encrypted” label alone does not tell you whether a service has addressed HNDL.
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When a provider cannot explain its plans, ask how it is preparing for NIST’s post-quantum standards. This is particularly useful when choosing where to store or process information with a long confidentiality lifetime.
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