Beyond Q-Day: IBM’s Lory Thorpe on Mastering Post-Quantum Cryptography

IBM's Lory Thorpe warns that quantum computers could soon crack the encryption protecting our banks, health records, and personal data, enabling "harvest now, decrypt later" attacks that threaten global security.

Through IBM's collaboration with NIST and major institutions, she's racing to develop quantum-resistant algorithms before current encryption systems become obsolete.

Join hosts Mark Fielding and Jeremy Gilbertson to explore how organizations and individuals can prepare for this looming cryptographic crisis, featuring insights from Apple's quantum-safe iMessage initiative.

Please enjoy the show. --

TIMESTAMPS

(00:00) Intro: Disruptors and Curious Minds

(02:30) Meet Lory Thorpe of IBM Quantum

(03:21) Lory’s Journey: From Telecom to Quantum Security

(07:01) Why Healthcare Needs Post-Quantum Protection

(09:41) "Harvest Now, Decrypt Later": The Quantum Data Risk

(12:00) IBM’s Work with Governments and Regulators

(16:30) Cryptography 101: What You Need to Know

(18:47) The Cost of Quantum and the Threat to Today’s Encryption

(21:20) IBM & NIST: Setting Quantum Standards Together

(22:08) Inside the 3 Quantum-Resistant Algorithms

(25:17) Apple Adopts Post-Quantum Encryption in iMessage

(25:52) Crypto Agility Explained: A Key to Future-Proof Security

(29:54) The RSA Encryption Debate: Is the Quantum Threat Overblown?

(38:45) Thought Experiment: November 1st, 2031 – The Quantum Deadline

(42:51) Where Cryptography Touches Everyday Life

(46:57) How AI and Quantum Shape IBM’s Strategy

(52:35) Carryover Question for Next Episode--

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Past guests on The Thinking On Paper Show include: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Ciaran Murray⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (web3 for journalists), ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Torrey Smith⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (Robotics For Medicine), ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Jason Lynch⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (Quantum Computing), ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Joe Fitzsimons⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (Quantum Computing), ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Dana Sydorenko⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (Gaming), ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Don Norman⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (Humanity Centered Design), ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Mercina Tillerman Perez⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (Circle & Crypto), ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Tyler Adams⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (Blockchain), ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Todd Haselhorst ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠(Blockchain for Logistics), ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Vince Yang⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (ZK Proofs)