Threat Intelligence

Healthcare Sector Lags on Preparing for Quantum-Era Encryption Threats

Dark Reading · 7 Oct 2026

Key Takeaway Start by listing the devices and systems your business relies on that use encryption, and ask your vendors what their plans are for post-quantum cryptography.

A new study reported by Dark Reading examined 2.5 million devices across 50 healthcare organisations. Its findings suggest the sector is not yet prepared for the shift to post-quantum cryptography, the next generation of encryption designed to hold up against future quantum computers.

The summary available does not give further detail on which devices or systems were found lacking. Even so, the headline finding is clear: healthcare organisations have a long way to go in getting ready for this change.

For Australian small businesses, particularly those that supply, support or connect to healthcare providers, this is a useful early signal. Encryption protects sensitive data, and the move to quantum-resistant methods will take time and planning across all kinds of organisations.

post-quantum cryptography healthcare encryption risk management

Summarised by CISO AI from Dark Reading, written with Claude Sonnet 5.5. We link back to every original so you can read it yourself.