Post-quantum cryptography readiness and sovereignty models emerge

New research and models are emerging to address the global transition toward post-quantum cryptography. The Readiness, Sovereignty Capability Model (RSCM), developed by Multimedia University, evaluates how nations prepare for quantum-safe encryption. Unlike previous models that focused solely on readiness, the RSCM measures cryptographic sovereignty—a nation's ability to independently design, develop, and manufacture its own cryptographic tools rather than relying on external vendors. An analysis of fifty-seven actors using this model found that twenty countries possess the necessary means to establish domestic quantum-safe capacity.

In the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region, organizations are actively preparing for this technological shift. A report by QuantumGate and the UAE Cyber Security Council indicates that 64% of surveyed organizations have budgeted for post-quantum initiatives, while 84% are planning a transition. A critical component of this migration is cryptographic discovery, which involves creating an inventory of keys, certificates, and protocols to identify vulnerabilities. This preparation is driven by the threat of ‘harvest now, decrypt later’ tactics, where adversaries collect encrypted data today to decrypt it once sufficiently powerful quantum computers become available.