The arrival of quantum computers is completely altering the digital security landscape. Windows 11, as the reference operating system on millions of devices, has decided to anticipate these changes and integrate technology quantum protection to defend information against future threats.
Although at first glance it may seem that all this is far from affecting your daily life, the main technology companies are already taking measures to protect their platforms against the risks associated with this new era. Microsoft is betting on A crucial evolution in the way Windows protects your data, using post-quantum algorithms and collaborating with international organizations to ensure that even the most powerful computers of tomorrow cannot compromise your privacy.
What is quantum computing and why does it concern cybersecurity?
The concept of quantum computers has ceased to be science fiction and has become an unstoppable technological reality. These devices, instead of using traditional bits (0 and 1), employ qubits, which can be found in multiple states simultaneously thanks to the phenomena of overlap y quantum entanglementBecause of all this, a quantum computer can perform complex calculations in ridiculously short times compared to classical computers.
This capacity raises a huge challenge for digital securityTraditional encryption systems, such as RSA or ECC, are based on mathematical problems that are nearly impossible to solve with conventional computers, but which a quantum computer could solve in the blink of an eye. If implemented, this would render obsolete much of the security infrastructure that protects everything from banking transactions to government communications.
The threat is so real that Large technology companies such as Microsoft, IBM, Google and Intel have been investing in quantum computing for years., both to harness their power and to anticipate cybersecurity challenges. While these machines are still in development and widespread use will take a few years, there is already consensus that prevention is key.
How quantum computing affects traditional encryption methods
Most encryption systems today use asymmetric algorithms, based on the difficulty of certain mathematical problems, such as factoring large prime numbers or calculating discrete logarithms. These problems have kept information secure for decades, because modern computers would take millions of years to solve them.
However, the quantum computing It completely changes the rules of the game. A powerful quantum computer could, with the right algorithm, break these ciphers in seconds.
A new risk arises here that is increasingly being talked about: attacks like "save now, decrypt later" (store now, decrypt later). Attackers intercept and store encrypted data today, waiting for the moment when quantum computing matures to allow it to be decrypted, even years after it was stolen.
Post-Quantum Cryptography: The Answer to the Quantum Challenge
To counter the potential of quantum computers, the post-quantum cryptography (PQC)This discipline develops and selects algorithms capable of resisting attacks from both classical and quantum computers.
Post-quantum algorithms are based on different mathematical problems, such as:
- Euclidean networks (lattices): very difficult to solve even for quantum computers.
- Error correction codes: allow data to be hidden in a robust manner.
- Isogenies between elliptic curves: pose new mathematical challenges for attackers.
- Nonlinear multivariable systems: complicate resolution and decryption.
El National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), in the United States, is leading an international process to standardize these algorithms. Among those selected are:
- CRYSTALS-Kyber for key exchange.
- CRYSTALS-Dilithium for digital signatures.
- SPHINX+ as an alternative based on hash trees.
These solutions are already being tested in major technology projects and are being integrated into major products and services from companies such as Microsoft, Google, and Cloudflare.
How Microsoft implements quantum protection in Windows 11
Microsoft has decided to take a step forward and begin deploying real quantum protection in Windows 11. The company has integrated algorithms of post-quantum cryptography in your operating system and associated products, anticipating future threats.
The arrival of the Windows 27852 Canary build 11 marked the starting point for these security enhancements. Users will gradually benefit from advanced levels of protection against quantum attacks:
- Bookseller SymCrypt now supports ML-KEM (Module and Network Based Key Encapsulation Mechanism) and ML-DSA (quantum-safe digital signature algorithm).
- These algorithms are being integrated into critical cryptographic functions, such as NCrypt, BCrypt y Crypt32.
- Digital certificates and authentications also improve thanks to the adoption of these technologies.
Furthermore, Microsoft is not limiting these tools to Windows 11 alone: support is gradually being extended to Azure, Microsoft 365, Windows Server 2025 and even Linux through SymCrypt-OpenSSLThis strategy seeks to protect the ecosystem of products and services against any vulnerabilities associated with quantum computing.
Challenges and challenges of the transition to post-quantum security
Not everything is easy on the path to digital security protected against quantum computing. The deployment of post-quantum algorithms in Windows 11 and the rest of the Microsoft ecosystem faces several challenges:
- Compatibility and standardization: Ensuring that new algorithms coexist and are compatible with existing systems and devices is key. Coordination on a global scale is essential to avoid fragmentation and vulnerabilities.
- Performance and efficiency: Quantum-resistant algorithms typically require more computational resources, larger keys, and higher bandwidth, which could impact performance on older or low-end devices.
- Education and awareness: The change requires developers, IT professionals, and users to understand the importance of these new algorithms and implement them correctly.
Microsoft has implemented guides, toolkits, and collaborations with academic institutions to ensure a safe and effective transition.
What attacks and risks does quantum cryptography seek to prevent?
The main motivation for quantum protection is to prevent attacks that could make today's security look ridiculous. Some of the most notable risks include:
- Harvest now, decrypt later: As we have already mentioned, it consists of collecting huge volumes of encrypted data and, years later, decrypting them using the power of quantum computing.
- Interception of authentications and digital identities: Classic signature algorithms and certificates can be compromised, affecting user verification, banking transactions, and sensitive communications.
- Access to critical infrastructure: From financial systems to power grids, healthcare services to government secrets, all could be at risk if security is not strengthened in advance.
Shielding the root of the operating system and communication systems is, therefore, the only guarantee of survival in a future where attackers have much more powerful technological weapons at their disposal.
International collaboration and open standards
The development of post-quantum cryptography is a collaborative effort. In addition to Microsoft, Government entities, research centers and private companies collaborate internationallyOrganizations such as NIST have been responsible for standardizing new algorithms.
In Spain, the commitment is materialized with companies such as Qilimanjaro Quantum Tech o Multiverse Computing, and with the support of public bodies such as INCIBE and CCN, which have taken firm steps to incorporate quantum technologies into their roadmap.
Collaboration between industry and academia is another pillar that reinforces the solidity of these security methods adapted to the new digital environment.
What impact does quantum protection have on different sectors?
La quantum-resistant cryptography It not only affects individuals, but completely transforms entire industries:
- Financial sector: It guarantees the confidentiality of transactions, protects banking data, and prevents fraud even from attacks using quantum computers.
- Governments: allows to keep state secrets and personal data of citizens protected.
- Health: ensures the privacy of medical records and protects scientific and medical research from digital spying.
- Technology industry: Facilitates the transition to new infrastructures without rendering existing systems obsolete, thanks to hybrid and hardware-agnostic solutions.
Every sector finds in quantum protection a solution to both the challenges of today and those of the more uncertain future.
While the widespread integration of post-quantum algorithms is still in the testing phase for home users, they are already being implemented in business environments, public administrations, and critical networks. Solutions such as SymCrypt-OpenSSL allow businesses and Linux users to take advantage of Microsoft advancements without radically changing their infrastructure.
The development of practical guides and transition tools is ongoing. Large corporations offer hybrid versions of protocols such as TLS, SSH and IPSec that combine classical and post-quantum encryption, thus ensuring security while the migration is completed.
Users are advised to stay tuned for updates and follow the recommendations of major technology companies and international organizations.