The quantum computing revolution presents a paradox for information security professionals: while promising unprecedented computational capabilities, it simultaneously threatens to undermine the cryptographic foundations of modern security frameworks. For organizations maintaining SOC 2 and ISO 27001 certifications, this creates an urgent strategic challenge. How can businesses maintain compliance with these critical security standards while preparing for the quantum threat horizon?
This challenge sits at the intersection of emerging quantum technologies and established compliance frameworks. As quantum computing transitions from theoretical research to practical application, organizations must develop coherent strategies that satisfy today’s compliance requirements while building resilience against tomorrow’s quantum threats.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore how forward-thinking organizations are adapting their SOC 2 and ISO 27001 compliance frameworks to address quantum vulnerabilities. From cryptographic inventory assessments to quantum-aware risk management strategies, we’ll examine practical approaches that satisfy auditors while building quantum resilience. Whether you’re a CISO, compliance officer, or security architect, this strategic framework will help you navigate the complex terrain of quantum-safe compliance.
The foundation of current cybersecurity compliance frameworks rests on cryptographic systems vulnerable to quantum computing capabilities. Shor’s algorithm, when implemented on a sufficiently powerful quantum computer, can efficiently factor large prime numbers—the mathematical challenge underlying RSA encryption. Similarly, Grover’s algorithm effectively reduces the security of symmetric encryption by theoretically halving the effective key length.
These capabilities don’t merely represent theoretical concerns. They directly threaten specific controls within both SOC 2 and ISO 27001 frameworks:
For SOC 2, the security principle relies heavily on encryption for data in transit and at rest. Quantum computing threatens to invalidate these controls, potentially rendering encrypted data vulnerable and compliance certificates meaningless without adaptation. Similarly, ISO 27001’s controls around cryptographic systems (specifically A.10.1.1 and A.10.1.2 in the standard) assume the continued effectiveness of current encryption methods.
Even more concerning is the “harvest now, decrypt later” threat. Malicious actors are already collecting encrypted data with the expectation of decrypting it once quantum computing becomes sufficiently powerful. This means data protected under current compliance frameworks may already be at risk, even if quantum computers capable of breaking the encryption aren’t yet available.
SOC 2 certification, developed by the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA), focuses on five trust service criteria: security, availability, processing integrity, confidentiality, and privacy. Among these, security and confidentiality are most directly impacted by quantum computing advancements.
The security principle requires organizations to protect system resources against unauthorized access. In a quantum-resistant SOC 2 framework, this principle must expand to include protection against future quantum attacks. This means implementing quantum-resistant controls such as:
First, organizations should implement cryptographic agility—the ability to rapidly replace cryptographic algorithms without significant system changes. This requires modular design approaches that separate cryptographic functions from business logic, enabling swift transitions when current encryption standards become vulnerable.
Second, organizations should begin documenting their quantum risk assessment process. This demonstrates to auditors that the organization has considered quantum threats and has a strategic approach to addressing them. The documentation should include an inventory of cryptographic assets, risk assessment methodologies, and transition plans.
Third, quantum-aware access controls should be implemented that don’t rely solely on cryptographic verification. This could include multi-factor authentication systems, zero-trust architectures, and behavior-based anomaly detection that would remain effective even if underlying cryptographic systems were compromised.
For the confidentiality principle, organizations must consider data lifecycle implications. Information with long-term sensitivity requires immediate quantum-resistant protection, while short-lived data might remain adequately protected with current methods until replacement.
Organizations should conduct a data classification exercise specifically considering quantum timeline vulnerabilities. Data requiring protection beyond 5-10 years should be prioritized for quantum-resistant encryption implementation. This might include intellectual property, long-term customer data, strategic planning documents, and healthcare information.
SOC 2 auditors are increasingly aware of quantum risks, though explicit requirements remain limited. Forward-thinking organizations should document their quantum risk assessment process and mitigation strategies as part of their SOC 2 evidence package, positioning these measures as enhancements to the security and confidentiality principles rather than waiting for explicit requirements.
The ISO 27001 standard provides a systematic approach to information security management systems (ISMS). Unlike SOC 2, which focuses on controls, ISO 27001 emphasizes risk management processes that can more readily adapt to emerging threats like quantum computing.
ISO 27001 requires organizations to develop and maintain a rigorous risk assessment methodology. For quantum readiness, this methodology should explicitly consider quantum computing threats to cryptographic systems. This means expanding traditional threat models to include quantum-specific attack vectors and timelines.
Organizations should develop quantum-specific risk scenarios that consider: the sensitivity and longevity of protected data, the current cryptographic methods employed, the estimated timeline for quantum threats to materialize against specific algorithms, and the complexity of transitioning to quantum-resistant alternatives.
The risk assessment should produce a prioritized inventory of systems requiring quantum-resistant upgrades, with timelines aligned to both data sensitivity and projected quantum computing capabilities. This assessment becomes a cornerstone document for ISO 27001 certification in the quantum era.
Annex A of ISO 27001 contains controls that organizations typically implement based on their risk assessment. For quantum readiness, several controls require specific quantum-resistant interpretations:
A.10.1.1 (Policy on the use of cryptographic controls) should include specific provisions for quantum-resistant algorithms, transition timelines, and criteria for algorithm selection. The policy should reference NIST’s post-quantum cryptography standardization efforts and establish a review cycle aligned with advancements in quantum computing.
A.10.1.2 (Key management) must consider the increased complexity of quantum-resistant key management, including potentially larger key sizes, different distribution mechanisms, and backward compatibility requirements during transition periods.
A.14.1.1 (Information security requirements analysis and specification) should explicitly include quantum threat modeling for new systems and acquisitions, ensuring that future technology investments are quantum-ready from inception.
A.14.2.5 (Secure system engineering principles) must expand to include crypto-agility as a fundamental design principle, ensuring systems can rapidly adapt to new cryptographic requirements without major architectural changes.
Transitioning to quantum-safe compliance requires a structured approach that balances immediate security needs with long-term quantum resilience. Organizations should follow a three-phase implementation strategy:
Begin with a comprehensive inventory of all cryptographic implementations across your organization. This inventory should document:
The specific algorithms in use (e.g., RSA-2048, ECC P-256, AES-256), including those embedded in third-party products and services. The security functions these algorithms support (authentication, confidentiality, integrity, non-repudiation). The sensitivity and required protection period of the data these algorithms protect. The systems and applications where these algorithms are implemented, including dependencies and integration points.
This inventory becomes the foundation for all subsequent quantum-safe planning. It should be maintained as a living document, updated as systems change and new quantum-resistant standards emerge. Organizations should consider automated discovery tools to ensure completeness, as cryptographic implementations are often embedded in unexpected places.
With the cryptographic inventory complete, conduct a quantum-specific risk assessment that evaluates:
The quantum vulnerability timeline for each algorithm in your inventory. Most experts project that RSA and ECC could be vulnerable within the next 5-15 years, while symmetric algorithms like AES would require larger key sizes but remain usable with appropriate adjustments.
The organizational impact if each cryptographic implementation were compromised. This includes both direct impacts (data exposure, system compromise) and compliance implications (SOC 2 or ISO 27001 certification failures).
The technical complexity of transitioning each implementation to quantum-resistant alternatives. Some systems may allow simple algorithm substitution, while others might require significant redesign or replacement.
The assessment should produce a heat map that prioritizes cryptographic transitions based on a combination of vulnerability timeline, organizational impact, and implementation complexity. This prioritization will guide the transition planning phase.
Based on the risk assessment, develop a phased transition plan that includes:
Short-term actions (1-2 years): Implement crypto-agility frameworks in new systems and during major upgrades. Begin testing NIST-recommended post-quantum cryptography candidates in non-production environments. Update cryptographic policies to include quantum considerations and transition plans.
Medium-term actions (2-5 years): Deploy hybrid cryptographic solutions that combine traditional and quantum-resistant algorithms, ensuring both current compliance and future protection. Prioritize transitions for systems protecting sensitive data with long-term value. Develop quantum-specific audit documentation to demonstrate compliance intent.
Long-term actions (5+ years): Complete transition to fully quantum-resistant cryptographic implementations across all systems. Establish ongoing monitoring of quantum computing advancements and cryptographic standards evolution. Develop expertise in quantum-safe security architecture and compliance documentation.
This phased approach allows organizations to address the most critical vulnerabilities first while spreading the technical and financial impact of the transition over time.
A critical aspect of maintaining SOC 2 and ISO 27001 compliance during the quantum transition is appropriate documentation for auditors. While few auditors currently have explicit quantum security requirements, proactive documentation demonstrates security leadership and prepares for inevitable standard updates.
For SOC 2 audits, prepare a “Quantum Risk Management Supplement” that documents your organization’s awareness of quantum threats and proactive mitigation strategies. This supplement should reference authoritative sources such as NIST’s Post-Quantum Cryptography program and relevant industry standards. It should articulate how your quantum-safe initiatives enhance the security and confidentiality principles beyond minimum requirements.
For ISO 27001 certification, integrate quantum considerations directly into your Statement of Applicability (SoA) and risk treatment plans. The ISO framework’s risk-based approach provides flexibility to include emerging threats like quantum computing without waiting for explicit standard updates. Document your quantum risk assessment methodology, findings, and treatment decisions as part of your standard ISMS documentation.
In both cases, maintain evidence of senior management awareness and approval of your quantum transition strategy. This demonstrates organizational commitment and satisfies governance requirements in both frameworks. Regular briefings to security governance committees on quantum readiness progress should be documented and included in audit evidence packages.
Compliance frameworks inevitably evolve to address emerging threats. Organizations preparing for quantum-safe compliance should monitor several key developments:
NIST’s Post-Quantum Cryptography Standardization process will significantly influence future compliance requirements. The final standards, expected to be published incrementally through 2025, will likely be incorporated into both SOC 2 and ISO 27001 frameworks. Organizations should monitor these standards and begin testing implementations as they become available.
Industry-specific regulations in highly regulated sectors like finance, healthcare, and government will likely mandate quantum-resistant controls ahead of general compliance frameworks. Organizations in these sectors should anticipate stricter requirements and faster implementation timelines.
Supply chain considerations will become increasingly important as quantum readiness extends beyond organizational boundaries. Future compliance frameworks will likely require evidence that third-party vendors and service providers have also implemented appropriate quantum-resistant controls.
At the World Quantum Summit 2025 in Singapore, these emerging compliance standards will be a focal point of discussion. The summit will bring together security experts, compliance professionals, and quantum specialists to explore practical implementation strategies and regulatory expectations. Organizations seeking to stay ahead of quantum compliance requirements should consider attending or sponsoring this critical industry gathering.
By proactively monitoring these developments and participating in industry discussions, organizations can anticipate compliance changes rather than reacting to them, maintaining continuous compliance even as standards evolve to address quantum threats.
Achieving quantum-safe SOC 2 and ISO 27001 compliance represents a critical challenge and opportunity for forward-thinking security leaders. The quantum threat to current cryptographic systems is real and approaching, but with strategic planning and phased implementation, organizations can maintain compliance while building quantum resilience.
The journey toward quantum-safe compliance begins with understanding—understanding your cryptographic inventory, the specific risks quantum computing poses to your organization, and the compliance implications of these risks. From this foundation of understanding, organizations can develop and implement practical transition strategies that satisfy auditors while genuinely enhancing security.
Perhaps most importantly, quantum-safe compliance isn’t merely about maintaining certifications—it’s about protecting sensitive data throughout its lifecycle, even as technological paradigms shift. Organizations that approach quantum security as a strategic imperative rather than a compliance checkbox will emerge as leaders in the post-quantum era.
As quantum computing transitions from theoretical research to practical application, the security community must evolve in parallel. By embracing quantum-resistant approaches today, organizations can ensure their compliance frameworks remain meaningful and effective in tomorrow’s quantum world.
Discover how your organization can prepare for the quantum future at the World Quantum Summit 2025 in Singapore. Join global leaders, researchers, and innovators as we explore practical quantum applications, including quantum-safe security frameworks. Register today to ensure your organization remains at the forefront of quantum innovation and compliance.
World Quantum Summit 2025
Sheraton Towers Singapore
39 Scotts Road, Singapore 228230
23rd - 25th September 2025
