Quantum Readiness: A Review on Dynamics in Academia and the Cybersecurity Sector

The cybersecurity infrastructure of the digital age is facing an unprecedented threat with the rise of quantum computing. Current public-key cryptographic systems are at risk of being broken by quantum algorithms such as Shor’s and Grover’s. This threat has triggered a global effort, known as quantum readiness, which necessitates a proactive approach in both academia and the industry. This review article examines the fundamental dynamics of quantum readiness, academic research worldwide, and concrete applications in the cybersecurity sector. The article details the international competition led by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to define post-quantum cryptography (PQC) standards. It also analyzes the national PQC strategies of the US, the EU, China, and other Western countries, the transition processes in critical sectors like finance and telecommunications, and key concepts like crypto-agility. This study reveals that the quantum threat is not merely a theoretical possibility but a strategic security issue, and that preparing for this threat is vital for a seamless digital security future.