F5 launches post-quantum cryptography tools for secure future

F5 has introduced new post-quantum cryptography (PQC) solutions designed to help organisations address the cybersecurity challenges associated with emerging quantum computing technologies.

With the ongoing development of quantum computing, longstanding cryptographic defences face new risks, as current algorithms may soon become vulnerable to attack. According to an assessment from Gartner: "The motivation for IT departments to adopt post-quantum cryptography is grounded in the fact that advances in quantum computing will make asymmetric cryptography unsafe by 2029. By 2034, asymmetric cryptography will be fully breakable with quantum computing technologies."

Quantum computing risk

The arrival of quantum computing requires a shift in traditional cybersecurity strategies. Malicious actors have begun to employ a "harvest now, decrypt later" approach, where they collect encrypted data today in anticipation of being able to decrypt it later when quantum computing power becomes available. This affects sensitive records, including user information, financial data, healthcare details, and intellectual property.

Transitioning to PQC is not a conventional system upgrade, but a structural change to cyber defences requiring careful planning and execution. Organisations attempting this without adequate preparation could be exposed to unplanned outages, operational disruptions, and compliance challenges—especially within hybrid or multicloud environments supporting a mix of legacy and modern systems.

F5's platform approach

F5's Application Delivery and Security Platform now integrates PQC readiness tools, supporting both application and API security. The platform is intended to equip organisations to secure systems and data without compromising performance or scalability, and is compatible with server-side and client-side encryption requirements across hybrid and legacy environments.

The company states its system supports a phased migration to quantum-safe encryption, allowing organisations to combine established and quantum-resistant methods. This approach is designed to provide interoperability, and options for gradual upgrades without disrupting ongoing business.

"Post-quantum threats aren't a distant problem—they're a forcing function to modernise security now," said Kunal Anand, Chief Innovation Officer at F5. "Our platform makes PQC adoption practical so enterprises can future-proof their apps, APIs, and trust models without slowing down."

Features and capabilities

The new PQC solutions provide several stated benefits. These include cryptographic protection for data and intellectual property using algorithms standardised by NIST, end-to-end coverage from user devices to backend services, and support for high availability. The solution is also said to include a unified management dashboard delivering insight into encrypted traffic within the security ecosystem, with support for AI-driven diagnostics and automated compliance reporting.

As regulatory standards evolve to address quantum-related threats, F5 aims to help businesses remain compliant and secure, particularly during transition periods when both classical and quantum-resilient cryptographic tools may be in simultaneous use.

Transition and adoption

The company posits that the move to PQC does not only address a technical requirement, but also acts as a prompt for broader organisational innovation. With full proxy capabilities, the new solutions are designed to support hybrid cryptographic models, so organisations can implement PQC alongside current encryption at a pace that matches each business's operational requirements.

This flexibility, according to F5, is particularly relevant for businesses dependent on applications and APIs that underpin their digital operations. The company claims its tailored support is aimed at assisting such organisations to adopt quantum-ready protocols without disruption to application delivery or user experience.

F5's post-quantum cryptography readiness solutions are now available within its Application Delivery and Security Platform.