Preparing for the Post-Quantum Era: Strategies for Quantum-Safe Encryption in Automotive Systems
The emergence of quantum computing presents a significant challenge to traditional cryptographic systems. While quantum hardware capable of breaking current cryptographic standards is still in early stages, the concept of “harvest now, decrypt later” attacks poses a real and immediate threat to the long-term confidentiality of sensitive automotive data.
For connected and autonomous vehicles, cryptographic primitives secure everything from in-vehicle communications to cloud telemetry and OTA updates. Algorithms like RSA and ECC, foundational to today’s digital signatures and key exchanges, are particularly vulnerable to quantum algorithms such as Shor’s. This necessitates a shift toward quantum-resistant alternatives.
Quantum-safe cryptography, often called post-quantum cryptography (PQC), comprises algorithms that are believed to be secure against both classical and quantum computers. Lattice-based, hash-based, and multivariate polynomial cryptographic schemes have gained attention and are undergoing standardization under NIST's Post-Quantum Cryptography project.
Transitioning to PQC in automotive systems is non-trivial due to constraints on bandwidth, processing power, and memory. For example, some lattice-based algorithms introduce larger key and signature sizes that may challenge existing ECUs and telematics devices. Thus, system-level profiling and hardware compatibility assessments are necessary steps in any migration strategy.
CRISKLE's cryptographic asset registry and SBOM (Software Bill of Materials) integration help OEMs assess current usage of quantum-vulnerable algorithms. Our framework flags asymmetric primitives at risk and guides developers toward hybrid cryptographic models — combining classical and PQ-safe mechanisms — to enable a gradual and compliant transition.
Additionally, the timing of the shift is critical. Vehicle lifecycles span 10 to 15 years, often beyond the horizon for mainstream quantum threats. Data captured and encrypted today could be stored and decrypted in the future when quantum capabilities mature. Hence, forward-looking manufacturers must embed quantum resistance into their platforms now to future-proof user data and vehicle safety.
Governments and industry alliances such as ETSI, ISO, and Auto-ISAC are beginning to define best practices for cryptographic agility — the ability to upgrade cryptographic components without full system redesigns. Embracing agility ensures systems remain resilient in the face of future cryptanalytic advances.
Ultimately, the transition to quantum-safe cryptography represents a critical investment in trust and security. As vehicles evolve into high-performance computing platforms, protecting them against emerging computational paradigms is not just a technical necessity, but a cornerstone of digital resilience and regulatory compliance.
