IBM announced a suite of solutions for migrating to post-quantum cryptography (PQC). The tools enable organizations to identify vulnerable encryption algorithms in their IT infrastructure and application source code, assess risks, automate system modernization, and monitor security levels.
IBM introduced IBM Quantum Safe, a suite of solutions that brings together tools for planning and managing the transition to post-quantum cryptography.
IBM Quantum Safe consists of 3 solutions:
- Quantum Safe Cryptography Manager identifies cryptographic components across enterprise infrastructure, assesses risks, and manages the transition to new algorithms.
- Quantum Safe Explorer analyzes application source code, identifies cryptographic vulnerabilities, and generates cryptographic bills of materials (CBOMs).
- Quantum Safe Proxy enables existing systems to work with infrastructure that supports post-quantum cryptography.
IBM Quantum Safe covers 5 key stages of modernization: strategic planning, cryptographic inventory, risk assessment, vulnerability remediation, and continuous security monitoring. Automation helps coordinate efforts across departments and enables organizations to migrate in phases based on system criticality and technological dependencies.
According to estimates from IBM and other research organizations, fault-tolerant quantum computers could emerge before the end of this decade. Such systems could potentially break certain widely used cryptographic algorithms. Meanwhile, attackers can already intercept encrypted data today with the intention of decrypting it in the future.
The need to adopt new standards is also driven by tightening regulatory requirements. Related initiatives are being developed in the U.S., the U.K., the European Union, and several other countries, with some requiring compliance as early as 2030.
The new suite builds on the capabilities of Guardium Cryptography Manager, which IBM introduced in 2025 to inventory cryptographic assets and assess risks. In developing the new solutions, the company drew on its experience modernizing IT systems and conducting research into post-quantum cryptography. IBM researchers also helped develop algorithms that formed the basis of 2 of the first 3 post-quantum cryptography standards approved by the U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) in 2024.
IBM positions IBM Quantum Safe as a unified solution for managing the transition to post-quantum security, allowing organizations to adapt their cryptographic infrastructure to emerging standards and threats.
IBM is also actively developing various cryptographic solutions, including those related to digital assets. In October 2025, the company introduced Digital Asset Haven, a platform designed for institutional and corporate digital asset management. In September 2026, the platform’s capabilities were expanded through integration with Swift’s blockchain ledger for tokenized deposit transactions and the addition of on-premises deployment options for digital asset infrastructure.
