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Quantum computing could crack today's healthcare encryption — and the sector isn't ready. A new Forescout report found that only 6% of medical devices can withstand future quantum attacks, compared to 50% of IT systems. Experts warn that the "harvest now, decrypt later" threat means healthcare leaders need to act before quantum computers even arrive.
Quantum computers aren't here yet, but healthcare's cybersecurity clock is already ticking. A new report from Forescout analyzed over 2.5 million devices across 50+ healthcare organizations and found that the sector is woefully underprepared for the encryption-breaking power that quantum computers could soon unleash. Medical devices — think infusion pumps and patient monitors — are especially vulnerable, with only 6% quantum-ready compared to 50% of traditional IT systems. And just 31% of internet-facing healthcare systems support encryption protocols capable of handling post-quantum security.
The most urgent threat isn't a quantum attack tomorrow — it's "harvest now, decrypt later," where cybercriminals collect encrypted patient data today and hold it until quantum computers can crack it. Medical records, imaging data, and lab results can stay sensitive for decades, making healthcare a prime target.
By the Numbers:
Why it matters: Healthcare leaders face a choice: integrate quantum readiness into existing tech upgrade cycles now, or face a far costlier scramble later. With NIST already publishing post-quantum cryptography standards, the roadmap exists — the sector just needs to follow it.
