La Sierra University is among the first in the United States to address a looming threat to data security by piloting a quantum-safe virtual private network for 25 staff members. The initiative, launched in collaboration with enQase, prepares for “Harvest Now, Decrypt Later” (HNDL) attacks, where encrypted information is intercepted and stored for future decryption using the power of quantum computers. Rajesh Patil, CEO of enQase, said this positions La Sierra University as a leader among universities pursuing a fully implemented quantum-safe campus network. “We are beginning the journey toward becoming a quantum-safe university,” said Scott Martell, La Sierra’s chief information officer and vice president of information technology, as the university embarks on a three-year roadmap to establish a comprehensive quantum-secure technology environment. La Sierra University’s Quantum-Safe VPN Pilot Launch In June, 25 staff members will test a new quantum-safe virtual private network (VPN) designed to counter a specific attack vector known as “Harvest Now, Decrypt Later” (HNDL). This tactic involves intercepting and storing encrypted data with the intent to decrypt it at a future date when quantum computers can break current encryption standards like RSA and ECC. The university’s initiative extends beyond adopting new technology; it represents a three-year roadmap toward establishing a fully quantum-secure technology environment across the campus. Rajesh Patil, CEO of enQase, the quantum security technology provider collaborating with La Sierra, highlighted the university’s approach. “This is where most universities will be within the next three to five years, and La Sierra is helping lead that transition.” The deployment also aligns with a broader push from organizations like the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), which has established timelines for transitioning to post-quantum cryptographic standards by 2025, describing the shift as “a mandate-driven migration from classical encryption to quantum-safe encryption,” according to Patil. The university’s