RSA Conference 2026: Views on quantum-safe migrations

At RSA Conference 2026, the conversation around post-quantum cryptography has clearly shifted. The “why” is no longer the challenge. Organizations understand the risk and the real struggle now lies in execution.

In this episode, Aisling Dawson of ABI Research and Itan Barmes of Qiz Security unpack what’s slowing progress. From fragmented cryptographic inventories to unclear ownership and budget constraints, the barriers are as much organizational as they are technical.

They explore why chasing a perfect inventory can stall action, why ecosystem coordination is the hardest problem to solve, and how regulation, vendor readiness, and internal alignment all play a role. The takeaway is: start small, focus on what matters, and build momentum. Quantum migration isn’t a one-time project. It’s a long-term shift in how organizations approach security.

What You’ll Learn:

Why quantum conversations are losing visibility despite growing importance

What is actually slowing down post-quantum migration today

Why cryptographic inventory alone is not enough

What cryptographic posture management really means

How to avoid “analysis paralysis” in crypto discovery

Why ecosystem synchronization is the biggest challenge

How regulation is shaping (and slowing) adoption

Why organizational alignment matters as much as technology

What practical first steps enterprises should take in 2026

Why starting imperfectly is better than waiting

Your Roadmap to Quantum Readiness

[01:19] Step 1: Awareness Is No Longer the Problem

Quantum risk is now widely understood. The challenge has moved on from convincing people that it matters to figuring out how to act on it. Organizations are moving from strategy discussions to real implementation decisions, and that is where progress slows down.

Key Question: Are you still discussing why quantum matters, or have you started figuring out how to act on it?

[02:17] Step 2: Execution Is Harder Than Expected

Budget constraints, performance limitations, and incomplete standards are making implementation difficult. Many organizations underestimated the complexity of integrating quantum-safe cryptography into existing systems.

Key Question: Have you accounted for the real operational and financial cost of migration?

[05:59] Step 3: Visibility Comes First, But Perfection Is a Trap

Cryptographic inventory is a necessary first step, but chasing 100% visibility can stall progress. Getting partial visibility and acting on it is far more effective than waiting for a perfect picture.

Key Question: Are you waiting for complete visibility before taking action?

[07:39] Step 4: From Inventory to Posture Management

Knowing what cryptography exists is not enough. Organizations need to understand risk, prioritize assets, and take action. Cryptographic posture management connects visibility with remediation.

Key Question: Do you know not just what you have, but how secure it actually is?

[10:02] Step 5: This Is a Business Problem, Not Just a Technical One

Quantum migration decisions depend on business context. Parameters like asset criticality, lifecycle, cost, and operational impact all matter, and technical fixes alone are not sufficient.

Key Question: Are your quantum decisions aligned with business priorities?

[24:29] Step 6: Start Small, But Start Now

Organizations do not need perfect plans to begin. Building internal alignment, securing executive buy-in, and taking incremental steps can unlock progress. Waiting only increases risk.

Key Question: What is the smallest meaningful step you can take today?

Episode Resources

Aisling Dawson on LinkedIn

ABI Research Website

Itan Barmes on LinkedIn

Qiz Security Website

PQShield Website