In this episode of the Vertali Podcast, Broadcom’s Michael Jordan (Distinguished Engineer, Cybersecurity & Compliance) and Jessica Daugherty (Senior Product Manager, Security & Compliance) about “Y2Q”, the day quantum computers can break today’s cryptography, and what enterprises must do now to prepare. They unpack how RSA falls to Shor’s algorithm, why “harvest now, decrypt later” makes quantum risk urgent today, where NIST’s post-quantum standards stand, and practical first steps like building a cryptographic inventory and a migration plan. They also touch on IBM Z16/Z17 “quantum-safe” capabilities and lessons from Y2K for a whole-of-industry response.

Key Takeaways

What “Y2Q” really means: It’s the point at which a cryptographically relevant quantum computer can break widely used public-key algorithms; the core reason is mathematical (e.g., factoring the RSA modulus reveals the private key).

Shor’s algorithm changes the game: Classical computers make factoring infeasible at today’s key sizes; quantum computers running Shor’s algorithm reduce the problem to hours, undermining RSA and elliptic-curve schemes.

Standards are arriving: NIST has selected and published post-quantum algorithms (FIPS 203/204/205), with IETF TLS updates in draft and expected to finalize on a near-term horizon.

Global roadmaps differ: The US/UK are working toward broad migration by 2035, while Germany and Australia are targeting around 2030, all aiming to pre-empt sudden quantum breakthroughs.

Mainframe head start: IBM Z16 introduced quantum-safe system validation and access to NIST-backed algorithms via Crypto Express HSMs (also on Z17), positioning mainframe shops to adopt earlier.

Best Moments

“Imagine the day when all the crypto that we rely on stops working… That day is coming, and it’s called Y2Q.”

“If you could factor out those two large prime numbers… you could compute the private key and thus you’ve broken RSA.”

“Our mainframes are already considered quantum safe… Z16 was introduced as the world’s first quantum-safe system.”

“The first task… is to discover all of the cryptographic usages within their system and build a cryptographic inventory.”

About Vertali

Vertali is a leading cyber security company specialising in IBM® mainframe infrastructure. With deep expertise, innovative software, and trusted resources, Vertali supports organisations across the UK and globally, particularly in finance, retail, utilities, and government sectors.

100% focused on mainframe systems, Vertali helps organizations secure and optimize their operations. By combining advanced technology with expert insights, Vertali delivers powerful cybersecurity solutions and consulting services that protect against evolving threats. Driven by a proactive approach, Vertali enables businesses to build resilient systems, safeguard sensitive data, and maintain smooth, uninterrupted operations in the face of cyber risks.

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