Quantum computers are advancing rapidly, and the threat they pose to classical network security is no longer a distant concern. In 2026, governments and major technology companies worldwide are working on quantum-safe standards precisely because existing encryption will eventually become vulnerable. Yet many organizations are already making mistakes in their network infrastructure security that expose them to risks right now. Do any of these nine pitfalls sound familiar?
How quantum computers break classical encryption
Classical encryption methods such as RSA and elliptic curve cryptography (ECC) are based on mathematical problems that are practically unsolvable for traditional computers. Quantum computers use algorithms such as Shor’s algorithm to solve these problems exponentially faster. What would take a classical computer thousands of years, a powerful quantum computer could theoretically accomplish in hours.
This means that encrypted data intercepted today could be decrypted later, once quantum computers are powerful enough. This attack strategy is known as “harvest now, decrypt later,” and it makes the quantum threat relevant even now, even though fully operational, cryptographically relevant quantum computers are still in development. For organizations handling sensitive or long-term confidential data, this is a serious risk that demands attention today.
1: Continuing to use outdated encryption protocols
Many networks still run on encryption protocols designed decades ago. RSA-2048, older TLS versions, and outdated VPN configurations offer no protection against quantum attacks. Yet they remain in use, often because replacing them seems complex or costly. Reviewing your broader security solutions is a practical starting point for identifying where outdated protocols are hiding.
The problem is not only future vulnerability. Outdated protocols frequently have known weaknesses that classical attackers can already exploit. Updating encryption protocols is therefore both an immediate and a forward-looking security measure. Start by mapping which protocols are active in your network and prioritize the highest-risk connections.
2: No inventory of cryptographic assets
You cannot protect what you do not know exists. Many organizations lack a complete picture of which cryptographic algorithms, certificates, and keys are in use across their infrastructure. Without that inventory, targeted migration to post-quantum cryptography is impossible.
A cryptographic asset inventory maps where encryption is applied, from applications and databases to network connections and device communications. This is the essential first step for any serious protection against quantum threats. Without this foundation, any migration planning is built on assumptions rather than facts.
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3: Overlooking layer 1 and layer 2 encryption
Most attention to network security focuses on the higher OSI layers, such as application and transport layer security. But encryption at layers 1 and 2 provides protection at the physical and data link level, before data ever reaches higher-level protocols. This is a critical distinction.
Attackers who gain access to the physical or data link layer can intercept traffic without higher security layers detecting it. Layer 1 and layer 2 encryption closes this gap and is an essential complement to security higher up in the stack. For organizations with critical infrastructure or sensitive fiber connections, this is not an optional extra. It is a baseline requirement. Explore how dedicated networking solutions can help enforce protection at every layer of your infrastructure.
4: Delaying post-quantum migration planning
Post-quantum cryptography (PQC) is not a technology of the distant future. The US National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) published its first post-quantum standards in 2024, and governments worldwide are requiring organizations in critical sectors to define migration paths. Delaying increases vulnerability and ultimately raises the cost of migration.
Migrating to post-quantum cryptography is a lengthy process. Systems must be tested, vendors must be aligned, and staff must be trained. Organizations that begin planning now have the time to do this in a controlled manner. Those who wait until the pressure mounts risk rushed, error-prone implementations that introduce new network vulnerabilities.
5: Hybrid networks without end-to-end security
Modern networks are rarely homogeneous. They combine on-premises infrastructure, cloud environments, SD-WAN connections, and remote access points. In hybrid networks, security gaps easily emerge at the boundaries between environments, precisely the spots attackers look for.
End-to-end security in hybrid networks requires a consistent approach across all segments. Strong encryption in the cloud offers little protection if the on-premises portion of the same network is vulnerable. Map all connection points and ensure that security policies are applied uniformly, regardless of where data resides or where it travels.
6: Not implementing quantum-safe key exchange
Key exchange is one of the most vulnerable steps in any encryption process. Classical methods such as Diffie-Hellman are directly susceptible to quantum attacks via Shor’s algorithm. An encrypted connection is only as strong as the key exchange it relies on.
Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) and post-quantum key exchange algorithms offer alternatives that are resistant to quantum attacks. Implementing them requires changes to both hardware and software, but it is an investment that fundamentally strengthens the security of all encrypted communications. Organizations that process sensitive or long-term confidential data would be wise to place this high on their list of priorities.
7: Relying on vendors without a quantum roadmap
Many organizations depend on vendors for the security of their network infrastructure. If those vendors have no clear quantum roadmap, your organization indirectly inherits that risk. A vendor with no plans for post-quantum migration today is unlikely to be ready in time tomorrow.
Actively ask vendors about their quantum strategy: which algorithms are supported, when will updates be available, and how will existing installations be migrated? Vendors who cannot provide a clear answer deserve serious reconsideration. Vendor-independent advice can help you objectively assess which parties are genuinely prepared for the quantum transition. Our partner ecosystem is built around vendors with proven quantum roadmaps and long-term commitment to standards-based security.
8: Underestimating physical network security
Digital security attracts most of the attention, but physical access to network infrastructure remains a fundamental vulnerability. Unsecured server rooms, accessible patch panels, or unprotected fiber connections render sophisticated digital security meaningless if an attacker can physically reach the hardware.
Physical security involves more than locks and cameras. Real-time fiber monitoring can detect attempts to tap a fiber cable, an attack technique that is particularly relevant for quantum-sensitive communications. Combine physical access control with active monitoring to ensure adequate protection at this level as well.
9: Not preparing employees for quantum threats
Technology alone is never enough. Employees who do not understand what quantum threats are may unknowingly make risky decisions, from accepting insecure connections to dismissing security warnings. Awareness is an essential component of any security strategy.
Training does not need to be technically in-depth for every employee. What matters is that people understand why certain security measures are important and what their role in that is. IT teams and security professionals do need deeper knowledge of post-quantum cryptography and the specific risks to the organization. Invest in both levels of awareness.
Building a quantum-resilient network infrastructure
The nine mistakes outlined above show that quantum security is not a single-dimensional problem. It touches encryption protocols, key exchange, physical infrastructure, vendor choices, and human behavior all at once. An effective approach requires a layered strategy that addresses all of these dimensions.
Start with the basics: inventory your cryptographic assets, assess your current encryption protocols, and identify your most vulnerable connections. From there, build a migration plan that is realistic and phased. Do not wait for the threat to become more tangible. Data intercepted today can be decrypted tomorrow.
How we help with quantum-safe network security
We support organizations at every step of the transition to a quantum-resilient network infrastructure. Drawing on more than 20 years of expertise in connectivity and physical network infrastructure, we offer a comprehensive approach that combines technical depth with practical feasibility.
- Quantum security assessments: we map the cryptographic vulnerabilities in your network and establish a list of priorities.
- Layer 1 and layer 2 encryption: we implement security at the deepest level of the OSI model, before data reaches higher-level protocols.
- Post-quantum migration planning: we help you develop a phased roadmap tailored to your organization and sector.
- Vendor-independent advice: we evaluate vendors on their quantum roadmap and provide recommendations based on your specific needs, with solutions from partners including Nokia, Cisco, and Huawei.
- End-to-end support: from advisory and design through to implementation and managed services, we remain involved throughout the full lifecycle of your security solution.
Want to know where your network infrastructure security stands today and which steps should come first? Contact us for a no-obligation conversation with one of our security specialists.
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