Forescout, a global cybersecurity leader, has introduced a first-of-its-kind solution capable of detecting non-quantum-safe encryption in real time, marking a critical advancement in preparing enterprise infrastructure for the quantum computing era.

This innovative technology underpins Forescout’s “Quantum-Safe Security Assurance” strategy, enabling organizations to identify, assess, and address post-quantum cryptography (PQC) security gaps across IT, OT, and IoT environments. Developed in 2023 and patented in 2024, the solution continuously analyzes encryption used by devices to detect vulnerabilities that could be exploited by quantum computing.

The urgency to transition to quantum-safe security is rising rapidly. According to a recent Omnia study, 40% of manufacturers anticipate customers using quantum technologies by 2026. This raises concerns around “harvest now, decrypt later” attacks, where cybercriminals collect encrypted data today with the intent to decrypt it using quantum computing in the future. Despite this risk, Forescout Research – Vedere Labs found that only 6% of global devices currently use PQC.

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“Quantum computing is no longer theoretical—it’s a fast-approaching reality that will fundamentally challenge digital trust,” said Barry Mainz, CEO of Forescout. “Public and private sector organizations need to prioritize post-quantum resilience across their environments now. This is a rare opportunity to proactively adapt before urgency forces reactive measures.”

Quantum-Safe Security Assurance: A Four-Pronged Strategy

Forescout’s patented solution analyzes cryptographic ciphers supported by devices, scores them against PQC standards, and highlights encryption risks regardless of device management status or compliance posture. Positioned at the network layer, it detects risky encryption use even when devices attempt to conceal their identity or behavior.

The Forescout 4D Platform™ enforces its quantum-safe approach through four key components:

  • Detect: Identifies PQC-safe assets in real time, offering comprehensive cryptographic posture visibility.
  • Enforce: Uses Forescout eyeSegment to segment networks, isolating critical systems and securing communication pathways.
  • Mitigate: Leverages proprietary threat intelligence from Vedere Labs to identify rogue assets or misconfigurations, enabling targeted policy enforcement.
  • Control: Limits network traffic from at-risk devices to protect overall infrastructure.

“As organizations transition to a post-quantum world, detecting outdated encryption is essential,” said Robert McNutt, Chief Strategy Officer at Forescout. “Our patented technology is the only solution that identifies non-quantum-safe ciphers in real time, providing the visibility needed to assess risks and prioritize remediation effectively.”

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New Research Highlights Urgent Need for PQC Readiness

Forescout’s recent research indicates that most connected devices remain vulnerable to quantum-enabled threats:

  • Only 6% of 186 million SSH servers globally support quantum-safe encryption methods.
  • Fewer than 20% of global communications use TLS 1.3, the only TLS version with PQC support.
  • Adoption of NIST-standardized algorithms like ML-KEM has increased by 554% over six months, yet usage remains below 0.1% of servers.
  • OT, IoT, and IoMT devices face significant barriers, often requiring firmware updates or hardware replacement to implement PQC.

“We see PQC adoption stagnate after early adopters implement it,” noted Daniel dos Santos, Head of Research at Vedere Labs. “The data clearly shows that systems are not upgrading fast enough to match the evolving threat landscape.”

Immediate Recommendations for Mitigating Risk

  • Deploy PQC on devices communicating via third-party infrastructure.
  • Secure trusted network infrastructure from attackers and utilize network tools capable of accessing SPAN ports.
  • Avoid relying on ISPs and SASE tools for highly secured systems and critical applications.

Post-quantum cryptography is more than a future-proofing initiative—it represents a pivotal shift in cybersecurity strategy. With its patented visibility technology and cross-domain platform, Forescout is uniquely positioned to help organizations secure their cryptographic landscape and build resilience for the quantum era.

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Source: businesswire