In August 2024, the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) released its first three finalized standards for post-quantum cryptography (PQC)—a milestone that marks the beginning of a global transition to quantum-resistant security. While these standards run on classical computers, they’re designed to protect against a looming threat: the cryptographically relevant quantum computer (CRQC).
A CRQC, a quantum machine capable of breaking today’s encryption, is not science fiction. It’s a rapidly approaching reality. While algorithms are at the heart of PQC, they are only as strong as the entropy they rely on.
This is where most systems fall short, and where Real Random sets a new standard.
Post-quantum cryptography uses encryption techniques designed to remain secure even when attackers have access to a cryptographically relevant quantum computer (CRQC). Once operational, these machines will break widely used cryptographic systems like RSA and ECC in a matter of minutes. That means attackers can harvest encrypted data now and decrypt it later when quantum capabilities become available. (aka Harvest Now, Decrypt Later.)
PQC algorithms, such as those now standardized by NIST, are designed to resist both classical and quantum attacks. But deploying these algorithms isn’t as simple as a software patch—it demands a reevaluation of how we generate and manage randomness across our systems.
You can read more about the PQC standards and their context in Google’s post on post-quantum cryptography.
One of the most overlooked challenges in PQC migration is the entropy crisis. These next-generation algorithms demand far more high-quality randomness than their predecessors. However, most digital systems still depend on pseudorandom number generators (PRNGs), software-based simulations that eventually repeat and can be predicted with enough computational power.
The danger here isn’t theoretical. A landmark study in 2012 called, Mining Your Ps and Qs: Detection of Widespread Weak Keys in Network Devices, found that weak entropy led to widespread compromised TLS and SSH keys across embedded and IoT devices. Quantum computing only amplifies this risk.
Without verifiable, tamper-evident entropy, even the strongest PQC algorithms can be fatally flawed.
Real Random delivers a radically different solution: true physical entropy at scale. Unlike PRNGs, our patented entropy generation devices capture randomness from real-world physics, ensuring quantum-grade security. For example, our Entropy-as-a-Service platform provides scalable, cloud-based randomness for PQC-ready systems.
Learn more about our approach in the Physical Entropy at Scale White Paper (2025).
Post-quantum cryptography isn’t just a new set of algorithms, it’s a new bar for system integrity. And entropy lies at the core.
Here’s why:
Real Random directly addresses these risks by providing an entropy backbone that meets or exceeds the needs of PQC.
Transitioning to PQC is complex, but there are clear steps to get ahead:
Understand where encryption is used, what algorithms are in play, and what entropy sources feed them.
Audit your current entropy sources. If they rely on PRNGs or standard hardware RNGs, they may not be suitable for PQC. (also noted in the 2012 Mining Your Ps and Qs study)
Use abstraction layers and libraries that make it easy to swap in post-quantum algorithms and entropy sources without rewriting your stack. Real Random’s API ecosystem is built for this.
Start integrating Entropy-as-a-Service or hardware entropy modules into non-critical systems to test performance, integration, and resilience. The Real Random API can be adopted with only 4 lines of code, watch this video to see how we replaced ECC in our customer’s VPN product: https://www.loom.com/share/bec83ffff01f4b00b1d20018da267728
Real Random isn’t just a vision for the future, it’s a production-ready solution built to meet the security demands of today and tomorrow. Our platform is engineered to help organizations confidently adopt post-quantum cryptography with minimal disruption and maximum trust.
Whether you’re securing critical infrastructure, financial transactions, healthcare systems, or IoT fleets, Real Random provides the entropy infrastructure you’ll need to make PQC truly secure.
“Real Random is helping us answer customer questions about our ability to address the threat of quantum”
– Alex White, CTO of Glacier.chat (an early adopter serving the national intelligence community)
The quantum threat is no longer speculative. And post-quantum readiness isn’t just about algorithms, it starts at the root of trust.
Own your entropy. Protect your future.
Contact Real Random to begin your PQC journey with a complimentary 1 million bits of quantum-grade entropy.
