Risk-Driven Strategies for Quantum Readiness When Full Crypto Inventory Isn’t Feasible

Given the practical challenges, organizations may need to begin their quantum-readiness journey with a risk-driven approach rather than a theoretically perfect one. The essence of this strategy is to focus limited resources where they matter most – addressing the highest quantum-vulnerability risks first and implementing interim safeguards for the rest. Even the U.S. government’s guidance recognizes the need for prioritization. For example, the federal memo mentioned above directs agencies to inventory high-impact systems, high-value assets (HVA), and any systems containing data that must remain sensitive through 2035 before worrying about less critical systems. In other words, not all cryptographic assets