News

Quantum Computing is Coming: Are Your Printers Protected?

Published

8 months ago

May 16, 2025

Editor

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

NAF Launches Attack On Terrorists In Borno

Published

15 hours ago

January 10, 2026

Editor

The Nigerian Air Force, NAF, operating as part of the joint task force of Operation Hadin Kai, has carried out a coordinated air interdiction at AbbagaJiri in the Timbuktu Triangle, Borno State.

According to Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, Director of Public Relations and Information of NAF, the air strikes successfully paved the way for ground troops.

He explained that the operation was based on actionable intelligence from multiple sources, which confirmed the presence of terrorists, their structures, and concealed logistics facilities in the area.

Ejodame stated that NAF air assets were deployed in integrated surveillance and precision strike roles to target identified threats.

The operation aimed to degrade terrorist capabilities, deny them sanctuary, and shape the battlefield for ground forces, all while strictly adhering to rules of engagement and protecting civilians.

He added, “The Identified terrorist structures were decisively engaged and destroyed, denying the terrorists freedom of action, while a follow-up engagement neutralised armed elements observed converging on the location.”

“Subsequent advances by ground troops into the area confirmed the effectiveness of the air strikes and validated the success of the joint air–land operation.”

Speaking on the mission, Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, said, “The success of the mission reflects the NAF’s resolve to dominate the air domain in support of joint operations.”

Aneke further emphasized that the operation highlighted the service’s commitment to providing precise and decisive air power in support of ground forces.

In his words, “We will continue to deny terrorists freedom of movement, sanctuary, and logistics wherever they seek to hide. Air operations will remain relentless and intelligence-driven.”

“Our operations are carefully planned and intelligence-led, ensuring maximum effect on hostile elements while safeguarding innocent civilians.”

“The Nigerian Air Force will sustain pressure until terrorist networks are completely dismantled.”

He further noted that the operation showcased NAF’s aggressive stance, precision employment of airpower, and dedication to sustained joint operations.

Aneke added that such missions play a crucial role in enabling ground troops to maintain momentum and deliver decisive outcomes against terrorist networks threatening lives, property, and Nigeria’s national security.

News

Lagos Parks To Close For Maintenance – State Govt

Published

15 hours ago

January 10, 2026

Editor

The Lagos State Parks and Gardens Agency, LASPARK, has announced that all public parks under its management across the state will be temporarily closed for routine maintenance and upgrades.

In a statement released on January 9 and shared via its official platforms early Saturday, LASPARK said, “All parks under our management will be closed to the public from January 12 to January 31, 2026.

“This follows increased visitor activity during the recent festive season.”

The agency listed several popular recreational spots that will be affected, including “Ndubisi Kanu Park, Alausa JJT Park, Dr. Finnih Abayomi Park in Oregun, and all other LASPARK-managed parks across Lagos State.”

News

PAP Sends Additional 34 Foreign Post-graduate Scholarship Beneficiaries To UK Varsities

Published

1 day ago

January 9, 2026

Editor

The Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) has deployed an additional 34 foreign post-graduate scholarship beneficiaries to various universities in the United Kingdom for the 2025-2026 academic year.

This was contained in a statement made available to newsmen in Warri by Mr Igoniko Oduma, Special Assistant on Media to Dr. Dennis Otuaro, the Administrator, PAP.

According to the statement, the scholars’ programmes include data science, fintech analytics, cyber security, international energy law and policy, construction project management, public health, agri-food technology, electrical and petroleum engineering, among others.

The statement added that more foreign post-graduate scholars will be sent to UK universities in the current academic session.

“In December 2025, nine students, who were the first set of offshore post-graduate scholarship developments by the PAP Administrator, Dr Dennis Otuaro, for the 2024-2025 academic year, graduated from their various programmes in UK universities.

“Otuaro has deployed over 9000 students to universities within and outside Nigeria for different industry-relevant programmes since he assumed office in March 2024,” the statement partly reads.

Speaking at the pre-departure orientation programme for the scholars at the PAP headquarters in Abuja, on Thursday, Otuaro said that the large-scale deployment was aimed at making the Niger Delta a knowledge-driven region.

He said that his leadership reinvigorated the programme to give it a new momentum in service delivery to the people of the region based on the mandate of President Bola Tinubu.

Otuaro said, “We are sending all of you for post-graduate studies in various universities in the United Kingdom.

“The PAP now has a new momentum and direction because of the repositioning and broad reforms that we carried out in line with the mandate of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR.

“The objective behind the huge scholarships deployment is to ensure that we develop the needed human capital to transform the Niger Delta and generate knowledge-wealth.

“We want to develop relevant manpower in critical disciplines for our region and by extension, the country, because you are expected to contribute your quota to national development after successful graduation.”

The PAP boss, who was represented at the event by his Technical Assistant, Mr Edgar Biu, advised the scholars to study hard to achieve academic excellence in their various fields of research.

According to him, the scholars have an obligation to justify the Federal Government’s investment in their education and future.

He reiterated his warning that beneficiaries should not take for granted the opportunity to further their academic pursuits in the interest of the Niger Delta and indeed the country.

Otuaro expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for his “enormous interest and support for the Programme”, particularly the approval of an upward review of the programme’s budget from N65billion to N150billion.

He also expressed gratitude to the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, for his impeccable guidance and supervision of the programme’s initiatives.

Otuaro, therefore, cautioned the scholars to obey their host country’s laws and the rules and regulations of their various institutions, stressing that they are ambassadors of Nigeria, the Niger Delta and their communities and families.

Highpoint of the orientation programme was the presentation of laptops to the scholars to help them in their studies.