News

Quantum Computing is Coming: Are Your Printers Protected?

Published

1 year ago

May 16, 2025

Steve Inch, Global Senior Print Security Strategist & Product Management Lead at HP Inc.

Amid the current enterprise focus on artificial intelligence (AI), a potentially even more transformative technology is waiting in the wings. Quantum computing is coming, and it could arrive sooner than many of us think. But it will bring with it a monumental security challenge. Experts believe there could be . When that happens, the foundations of global digital trust will begin to crumble.

This is no far-off threat, and there have already been numerous false alarms to date. While software can be updated quickly in the global push to quantum-resistant cryptography, hardware cannot. This leaves everything from workers’ laptops to office printers at risk. Given its extended lifespan, a printer bought today may conceivably be vulnerable to quantum-powered threats before it’s even due to be replaced.
Enterprise security teams cannot afford to wait around any longer. It’s time to understand the threat and engage with vendors to chart a course to quantum safety.

The Quantum Threat
Quantum computers herald the prospect of incredible processing power, far outpacing today’s classical computers. Google’s Willow quantum chip “performed a standard benchmark computation in under five minutes that would take one of today’s fastest supercomputers 10 septillion (1025) years to complete”. To put that in perspective, this is a figure greater than the age of the universe itself. Yet chips like this are by no means the only route to achieving cryptographically relevant quantum computers (CRQCs).

However, the emergence of CRQCs will also have some problematic disruptive effects. By being able to solve the mathematical problems on which asymmetric encryption is based, CRQCs threaten to undermine digital security, identity and trust. Consider an attacker capable of cracking the cryptographically signed digital signatures that safeguard the most privileged firmware running on PCs, printers and other devices. This would open the door to a complete compromise of the device.

That’s why some of the smartest minds on the planet have collaborated to develop quantum-resistant algorithms, which they are now working to integrate into commonly used protocols and systems. It will require a monumental effort to upgrade the digital world to these new standards. But with hardware, there’s an extra hurdle for enterprises. IT leaders must start planning now to make the hardware refreshes required to support quantum resistance.

The Time is Now
Despite the long lead times involved, it would be unwise to sit back now. It is perhaps best to follow the US federal government’s lead. By 2027, the U.S. Government has committed to only procuring devices for national security systems if firmware and software are secured with quantum-resistant cryptographic code signing. NIST has also standardized a range of algorithms, including four digital signature schemes (LMS, XMSS in SP 800-208, ML-DSA in FIPS 204 and SLH-DSA in FIPS 205) and one algorithm for confidentiality (FIPS 203), with more standards in the pipeline.

Other governments also understand the urgency of the situation. The UK’s National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) says that the best mitigation against the threat of quantum computers to traditional public-key cryptography is quantum-resistant cryptography. In Canada, the government advises organizations to first identify systems that need migrating, then “budget for potentially significant software and hardware updates,” and speak to vendors about their quantum resistance plans.

Planning ahead is crucial, given that enterprise printers could be deployed for as long as 20 years, and even contract sales and managed print services (MPS) agreements tend to be 3-5-year terms. The next purchase an enterprise makes will likely need to be one made with quantum resistance. The alternative is to play a dangerous game of “wait and see”.
An Orderly Transition
Organizations lulled into a false sense of security by the long timelines involved risk a chaotic dash for the finish line. It is vital organizations get on the front foot now, to future-proof regulatory compliance programs and strengthen stakeholder trust.

Here’s how to start:
First, identify the highest priority use cases and devices, such as enterprise printer and PC hardware with long-lived, non-updatable keys, such as public keys used in code signing. Next, talk to the organization’s main technology providers to understand their plans for quantum-resistant cryptography migration across relevant products. Finally, draw up a comprehensive plan for infrastructure, software and hardware upgrades, according to the appropriate timescales and enterprise risk appetite.

An orderly transition to quantum resistance will put your company on a sure footing to protect data for the long term, reassuring customers, regulators and investors. This will prevent being caught blindsided once the new quantum era begins. Because when it arrives, it could be with a bang.

News

Children’s Day: Chaos At Ogbe Stadium As Dozens Faint

Published

13 hours ago

May 27, 2026

Editor

Chaos erupted on Wednesday during the Children’s Day celebration as dozens of students reportedly collapsed following a stampede triggered by the use of pepper spray.

The event,
organised by the Edo State Ministry of Education at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium was disrupted after some male students of Ihogbe College allegedly made uncompromising advances towards female students at the venue.
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‎ A parent who identified himself as Oboh Emmanuel said, “the behaviour of those uncultured students attracted the attention of bouncers stationed at the stadium as they rebuked the male students.”
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‎Oboh said the affected students later regrouped and attacked the bouncers, leading to a confrontation within the crowded arena.

READ ALSO:Children’s Day: Edo Commits To Child Protection
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It was gathered that in the ensuing confusion, the bouncers were reported to have deployed pepper spray in an area occupied by a large number of students.
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‎Several students, particularly female students, reportedly fainted after inhaling the substance, while others sustained injuries after being stepped on during the ensuing melee.
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‎The panic was said to have spread across the stadium as students, teachers and parents scampered for safety.
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‎Many of the affected students were reportedly rushed to the Edo Specialist Hospital for medical attention.

Reacting to the incident, Chief Press Secretary to Governor Monday Okpebholo, Dr Patrick Ebojele, said the security personnel that fired the tear gas had been detained.

He said all the students, except two, that were rushed to the hospital have been discharged.

Ebojele stated that doctors wanted to observe the students till tomorrow before allowing them to go home.

“The two students are not seriously injured. Doctors want to observe them overnight. Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education is still at the hospital. The man who used pepper spray has been detained.

“The incident did not happen the way it is being exaggerated. All modalities were put in place to ensure the children enjoyed their day.”
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News

Okpebholo Salutes Edo Muslims, Seeks Continued Support, Prayers

Published

14 hours ago

May 27, 2026

Editor

Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has urged Muslims and all Nigerians to continue to pray for peace, unity and progress in the country even as they celebrate the annual Eid-al-Adha

The governor, who was represented by his deputy, Dennis Idahosa, stated this during the annual Eid-al-Adha celebration with Muslim faithfuls held at Government House in Benin City.

He reiterated his administration’s commitment to fairness, inclusivity and equal opportunities for all citizens irrespective of religion and tribe.

According to him, the present administration remains determined to building a government that reflects the diversity of Edo State, noting that competent and qualified Muslims have continued to play vital roles in his government because of their capacity, integrity and commitment to service.

“As a government, we remain committed to fairness, inclusivity and equal opportunity for every Edo citizen, irrespective of religion, ethnicity or political affiliation. This is why quality and competent Muslims are serving in key positions in our administration.”

Okpebholo appreciated the Muslim community in Edo State for their unwavering support and continuous prayers for his administration, noting that such prayers and support have contributed immensely to the peace and steady development being witnessed across the state.

He then called on all Nigerians to use the occasion of Eid-al-Adha to pray for the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, stressing that the country needs collective prayers, unity and cooperation to overcome its present economic and security challenges.

“I urge all Muslims and indeed all Nigerians to use this occasion to pray for our dear nation and for the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Nigeria needs our collective prayers, unity and support as we strive to overcome our challenges and build a more prosperous future for all.”

In his remarks, the Chief Imam of Edo State, Abdulfatai Enabulele, applauded the governor for what he described as remarkable developmental strides recorded in less than two years in office.

The cleric commended the administration for ongoing infrastructural development and efforts geared towards improving governance in the state, but appealed to the government to revisit and complete some abandoned projects inherited from the previous administration for the benefit of the people.

News

Children’s Day: Edo Commits To Child Protection

Published

14 hours ago

May 27, 2026

Editor

The Edo State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the rights of children, promoting quality education, and strengthening sports development across the state.

This assurance was given by the governor of Edo State, Monday Okpebholo, during the 2026 Children’s Day Celebration and Governor’s Cup Finale held on Wednesday at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City.

Addressing pupils, students and teachers,
the governor described children as the pride of Edo State and the future of the nation.

The governor, represented by his deputy, Dennis Idahosa,
noted that the annual celebration provides an opportunity to honour their dreams, talents, and limitless potential.

Speaking on this year’s Children’s Day theme, “Choose Kindness, Reject Bullying,” the governor said the message was timely and significant, as it emphasizes the need to create safe, supportive, and inclusive environments for children both in schools and communities.

He stated that bullying in all forms — physical, verbal, emotional, or online — has no place in society, adding that the Edo State Government remains fully committed to protecting the rights and dignity of every child.

According to him, the administration will continue to strengthen policies and programmes that promote child protection, discipline, mutual respect, and positive learning environments across schools in the State.

The governor urged children to embrace kindness, compassion, teamwork, and respect for one another, stressing that true strength lies not in intimidation but in empathy, good character, and mutual understanding.