Bain and IBM unite to shield businesses from quantum computing threats
Bain & Company and IBM have joined forces to tackle cybersecurity risks linked to quantum computing. The partnership will help private equity and corporate clients assess vulnerabilities and plan upgrades to post-quantum cryptography (PQC). Both firms stress the urgency of acting now before current encryption methods become obsolete.
The collaboration brings together IBM Consulting's expertise in quantum-safe transformations and Bain's due diligence capabilities. Their goal is to create a structured roadmap for clients, identifying weak points, ranking remediation tasks, and outlining a clear execution strategy. According to Andy Baldwin, Senior Vice President of Offerings and Growth at IBM Consulting, preparing for quantum-ready security has become a pressing concern for any organisation relying on cryptography.
Bain's research reveals a gap between awareness and action among technology leaders. While many recognise the threat, few have a concrete plan for implementing PQC. Chuck Whitten, global head of Bain's digital practices, warned that quantum computing poses a firm deadline for existing encryption standards. The partnership will initially focus on private equity and corporate clients but also plans to explore PQC applications in sectors like metallurgy, pharmaceuticals, and materials science. Beyond risk mitigation, the firms aim to support proactive integration of PQC solutions. Their joint efforts will address vulnerabilities before quantum computing becomes widespread, ensuring businesses can protect assets and reduce long-term risks.
The partnership provides a pathway for companies to transition to quantum-safe encryption before current standards fail. Bain and IBM will offer assessments, strategic planning, and sector-specific solutions. Future collaboration will target specialised industries, reinforcing the need for early adoption of post-quantum security measures.
