Bain & Company will be working with IBM to help private equity firms and corporate clients assess the risks posed by post-quantum cryptography (PQC) and develop strategies to mitigate them.
The collaboration combines IBM Consulting’s quantum-safe transformation services with Bain’s expertise in commercial diligence to evaluate how resilient organisations are to the emerging risks posed by quantum computing. The aim is to help clients identify vulnerabilities in existing encryption systems and incorporate PQC into both strategic and operational planning.
Quantum computing is moving rapidly from theoretical research toward commercial applications. As the technology advances, it threatens to undermine current encryption standards that protect sensitive corporate data, intellectual property and proprietary know-how, therefore potentially creating significant business and investment risks.
PQC technologies are designed to counter those threats by using encryption methods believed to be resistant to quantum attacks. While many corporate technology leaders view PQC as an urgent priority, relatively few have developed clear strategies to implement it, according to Bain’s recent study.
Over time, Bain and IBM expect the collaboration to expand into priority post-quantum use cases in fields such as metallurgy, pharmaceuticals and materials science.
“Our collaboration with IBM strengthens our ability to help acquirers spot cryptography risk early and take action. Post-quantum readiness should be treated like any other critical technology risk in a deal, and we’re excited to bring leading-edge capabilities to protecting clients’ businesses and investments,” says Chuck Whitten, global head of Bain’s digital practices and capabilities
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Andy Baldwin, senior vice president of offerings and growth for IBM Consulting, adds: “The move towards quantum-ready security is becoming a near-term priority for every organisation that relies on cryptography to operate. Our collaboration with Bain provides clients with a clear quantum-safe roadmap, from identifying vulnerable assets to prioritising remediation and executing a transition strategy, to help reduce risk ahead of the post-quantum era.”
