For many organisations, Wi-Fi security is built on encryption standards considered secure today. WPA3, certificate-based authentication, strong passwords and enterprise-grade firewalls all play an important role in protecting business data - but building genuinely quantum-safe Wi-Fi means looking beyond today's standards.
But a new challenge is emerging that isn't about today's attackers.
It's about tomorrow's computers.
Quantum computing has the potential to fundamentally challenge how encryption works. While practical quantum computers capable of breaking modern encryption are not yet available, organisations making long-term infrastructure decisions need to understand the implications now.
For CISOs, Heads of IT, Network Architects, CTOs and Multi-Academy Trust decision-makers, the question is no longer if quantum computing will affect cybersecurity.
The question is whether today's infrastructure is being designed with tomorrow's risk in mind.
Traditional computers process information using bits that are either 0 or 1.
Quantum computers use qubits, which can exist in multiple states simultaneously. This could allow sufficiently capable quantum computers to solve certain mathematical problems far more efficiently than conventional computers.
While this won't replace traditional computing for everyday tasks, it could dramatically accelerate the solving of mathematical problems that current encryption relies upon.
That matters because much of today's public-key cryptography depends on the difficulty of solving mathematical problems using conventional computing.
Quantum computing changes that assumption.
Modern enterprise Wi-Fi relies on several layers of security.
These include:
WPA3 encryption
Enterprise authentication (802.1X)
Digital certificates
Public Key Infrastructure (PKI)
VPN technologies
Secure management platforms
Many of these technologies depend on asymmetric cryptography such as RSA and Elliptic Curve Cryptography (ECC).
Large-scale quantum computers could eventually use algorithms such as Shor's Algorithm to solve these mathematical problems far more efficiently than today's computers.
If that happens, many existing cryptographic systems will no longer provide the protection organisations expect.
This doesn't mean Wi-Fi encryption suddenly becomes useless. Rather, some of the technologies used to authenticate users, exchange encryption keys and establish trust would require replacement with quantum-resistant alternatives.
One of the biggest concerns for security professionals isn't immediate attacks.
It's something known as Harvest Now, Decrypt Later.
Attackers may already be collecting encrypted traffic today.
Even if they cannot decrypt it now, they could store it for years before using future quantum computers to reveal the information.
Schools and Multi-Academy Trusts
Healthcare organisations
Financial institutions
Local government
Critical infrastructure
Legal organisations
Defence suppliers
Sensitive personal information may need protecting for decades, not just years. That means security planning needs a much longer horizon.
The answer is no.
WPA3 significantly improves on WPA2 by providing stronger password protection, improved authentication and better resistance against offline attacks.
However, WPA3 was not designed specifically to resist large-scale quantum attacks.
Certain cryptographic components within enterprise authentication and certificate infrastructures will eventually require migration to post-quantum cryptography (PQC).
The good news is that organisations deploying WPA3 today are still making the right decision. The next challenge is to evolve that foundation into genuinely quantum-safe Wi-Fi as the wider authentication infrastructure adapts to emerging quantum standards.
Unlike quantum encryption, post-quantum cryptography (PQC) uses mathematical algorithms that are designed to resist attacks from both classical and quantum computers.
Rather than requiring completely new networking technologies, many PQC algorithms can be integrated into existing infrastructure through software and firmware updates.
In 2024, the US National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) finalised its first post-quantum cryptographic standards, providing organisations with a roadmap for future migration.
These standards will gradually influence:
Enterprise Wi-Fi authentication
VPN solutions
PKI infrastructures
Cloud platforms
Identity management
Secure communications
Over the coming years, vendors will increasingly introduce quantum-resistant capabilities into enterprise networking products.
Most cybersecurity experts believe large-scale quantum computers capable of breaking today's public-key cryptography are still several years away. However, network infrastructure often remains in service for seven to ten years or more. Organisations planning major network refreshes today should therefore consider how easily their chosen platforms can adopt future cryptographic standards through software updates and vendor support.
One of the biggest mistakes organisations make is treating network security as something that can simply be upgraded later. The decisions made during network design often determine how easily a network can adapt to future technologies, security standards and compliance requirements.
That means designing networks around open standards, selecting enterprise-grade platforms with strong vendor support, and ensuring the infrastructure is flexible enough to evolve as new technologies emerge. A well-designed network is far easier to adapt than one that has grown organically over time.
We've seen this before.
Over the past decade, organisations have migrated from WPA2 to WPA3, adopted cloud-managed networking, introduced certificate-based authentication, embraced zero-trust principles, and supported ever-increasing numbers of connected devices. Each step has required networks that were designed with scalability and flexibility in mind.
Quantum-resistant cryptography is likely to become another step in that journey.
The organisations best placed to adopt it won't necessarily be those with the newest hardware. They will be those with a clear understanding of their network architecture, strong visibility across their infrastructure and vendors committed to supporting evolving security standards. For schools and Multi-Academy Trusts, where network refresh cycles often span 10 years, these considerations become even more important. The network you install today may still be supporting thousands of users well into the next decade.
That's why with every Redway Networks project, we start by understanding your environment in detail. Rather than simply replacing equipment, we help organisations build secure, scalable network infrastructure that can adapt as technology, security requirements and business needs continue to develop.
Preparing for quantum isn't about predicting the future.
It's about designing a network that's ready for it.
Quantum computing isn't a reason to replace your network tomorrow.
But it is a reason to make smarter decisions when planning future investments.
Many organisations know what switches and access points they own.
Far fewer understand where cryptographic technologies are used across their infrastructure.
Understanding certificate authorities, authentication servers, VPN technologies and identity services is an important first step.
When investing in networking infrastructure, ask suppliers how they plan to support post-quantum cryptography.
Questions might include:
• Will existing hardware support future cryptographic upgrades?
• Are firmware updates planned?
• What is the vendor's roadmap for PQC adoption?
• How long will products receive security support?
Infrastructure with a strong lifecycle strategy reduces future migration costs.
Many education and enterprise networks remain operational for seven to ten years.
That makes strategic network design essential, ensuring the infrastructure can adapt as security requirements and technologies change.
Imagine a Multi-Academy Trust replacing the wireless infrastructure across ten schools. That investment is expected to support teaching, learning and safeguarding for the next decade. While quantum-safe authentication may not be required on day one, selecting vendors with a clear post-quantum roadmap today can help avoid costly hardware replacements and ensure the network can evolve through software and firmware updates as new cryptographic standards emerge.
Cloud-managed networking, modular architectures and standards-based deployments can simplify future security updates as cryptographic standards advance.
For schools, this is particularly important because refresh cycles are often significantly longer than those in commercial environments. Redway Networks' own guidance highlights that school Wi-Fi infrastructure may need to support multiple generations of devices over a decade, making future-proof design a critical consideration.
Preparing for quantum doesn't replace existing cybersecurity fundamentals.
Organisations should continue to implement:
• WPA3 Enterprise
• Certificate-based authentication
• Network segmentation
• Zero Trust principles
• Regular firmware updates
• Multi-factor authentication
• Continuous monitoring
Strong security today remains essential as we prepare for tomorrow. Maintaining strong network security requires continuous attention, not just a one-off upgrade. A managed network support service can provide proactive monitoring, regular firmware updates and expert oversight, helping organisations address current vulnerabilities while preparing their infrastructure for future standards
Education presents a unique challenge.
Schools often refresh wireless infrastructure less frequently than commercial organisations, yet student records, safeguarding information and staff data may require protection for many years.
As digital learning expands, schools increasingly rely on cloud platforms, one-to-one devices, and always-connected services. Network decisions made today will influence security and operational resilience well into the next decade. Redway's education guidance recommends designing Wi-Fi with long-term scalability, security and future technology adoption in mind, rather than simply replacing ageing hardware.
For IT leaders within Multi-Academy Trusts, this makes long-term planning particularly important.
Infrastructure purchased today should not only meet current capacity and performance requirements but also provide a realistic upgrade path as quantum-safe technologies mature.
At Redway Networks, we design secure, scalable Wi-Fi and network infrastructure that supports organisations for the long term.
Our engineering-led approach starts with understanding your environment through professional Wi-Fi surveys, network audits, and strategic design. From there, we deliver enterprise networking solutions that prioritise reliability, visibility, security and future scalability.
While post-quantum cryptography continues to change, designing flexible, standards-based infrastructure today helps organisations adapt more easily as new security technologies become available.
The goal isn't a one-off upgrade - it's an infrastructure that keeps pace as the standards evolve around it.
Quantum computing has the potential to reshape cybersecurity over the coming decade. Although practical quantum attacks remain some years away, organisations responsible for protecting sensitive information cannot afford to ignore the direction of travel - or delay the move toward quantum-safe Wi-Fi.
The strongest organisations won't wait until quantum computers become mainstream.
For CISOs, IT Directors, CTOs and Network Architects, preparing for quantum isn't simply about cryptography. It means building networks resilient and adaptable enough to stay secure for the long haul.
"The real challenge isn't predicting when quantum computing will arrive. It's designing a network that's flexible enough to support the changes it will bring."
Lee Wright, Certified Wireless Network Expert (CWNE) Redway Networks
Not today. Current quantum computers are nowhere near powerful enough to break enterprise Wi-Fi encryption. However, future large-scale quantum computers could weaken some cryptographic algorithms used within Wi-Fi authentication and key exchange.
2. Is WPA3 quantum-safe?
WPA3 is currently the strongest widely adopted Wi-Fi security standard, but it was not specifically designed to resist large-scale quantum attacks. Future versions of Wi-Fi security are expected to incorporate post-quantum cryptography.
3. What is post-quantum cryptography?
Post-quantum cryptography (PQC) consists of new encryption algorithms designed to resist attacks from both classical and quantum computers. These algorithms are being standardised by organisations such as NIST.
4. Should organisations replace their Wi-Fi because of quantum computing?
No. Most organisations should continue deploying modern enterprise Wi-Fi using current best practices while ensuring new infrastructure can support future software and cryptographic updates.
5. What is the Harvest Now, Decrypt Later threat?
Harvest Now, Decrypt Later describes attackers collecting encrypted data today with the intention of decrypting it in the future once sufficiently powerful quantum computers become available.
6. What should CISOs do now to prepare?
Start by building an inventory of where cryptography is used across the network - certificate authorities, authentication servers, VPNs and identity services. From there, choose vendors with a clear post-quantum roadmap, and continue following current best practice while that migration path takes shape.
7. When will quantum computers become a threat to current encryption?
Large-scale, cryptographically relevant quantum computers are not available today, and the precise timeline remains uncertain. However, organisations should prepare early because network infrastructure and sensitive information can remain in use for many years.
Some platforms may be able to adopt new cryptographic standards through software or firmware updates, while older hardware may have performance or compatibility limitations. Organisations should ask vendors about upgrade paths and post-quantum security roadmaps.
Our engineers can assess whether your wireless infrastructure is ready for future security standards while improving today's coverage, performance and resilience.
Contact Redway Networks to arrange a professional network audit or Wi-Fi survey and start building a network that's ready for the future. Contact our expert, friendly team today on 01908 046400
NIST: Post-Quantum Cryptography Project
NIST: First three finalised PQC standards
UK NCSC: Timelines for migration to post-quantum cryptography
UK NCSC: Next steps in preparing for PQC