Ask Techie: Will Quantum Computing Render Law Firm Encryption Methods Obsolete?

Q: Will Quantum Computing Render Law Firm Encryption Methods Obsolete?

A: Quantum computing, which is still in the experimental stages, could significantly impact data encryption in legal practice if or when it becomes mainstream. Quantum computers can process information at unprecedented speeds, potentially breaking current encryption methods that protect sensitive legal data. Imagine a law firm handling sensitive merger-and-acquisition documents. With current encryption, these documents are secure. However, if a quantum computer were used to decrypt them, the confidentiality could be compromised. By adopting quantum-resistant encryption, the firm ensures that even with the advent of quantum computing, its data remains secure.

1. Breaking current encryption. Quantum computers can solve complex mathematical problems much faster than classical computers. For example, they can break widely used encryption algorithms such as RSA (Rivest-Shamir-Adleman) and ECC (elliptic curve cryptography), which rely on the difficulty of factoring large numbers. This means that encrypted client communications, confidential documents, and other sensitive data could be at risk if quantum computers become widely available.
2. Quantum-resistant encryption. To counter this threat, new encryption methods, known as quantum-resistant or post-quantum cryptography, are being developed. These methods are designed to be secure against quantum attacks. For instance, algorithms such as lattice-based cryptography and hash-based cryptography are being explored to protect data in a quantum computing era.
3. Enhanced security measures. Law firms will need to adopt these new encryption methods to ensure the continued protection of client data. This might involve updating software, training staff on new security protocols, and regularly auditing security measures to stay ahead of potential threats.

Although quantum computing poses a threat to current encryption methods, adopting quantum-resistant encryption can help law firms protect their sensitive data in the future.

Techie: Ashley Hallene, JD, is GPSolo eReport Editor-in-Chief ([email protected]).

Q: How Can DNS filtering Help Protect our PCs and Laptops?

A: DNS (domain name system) filtering adds protection beyond virus and malware detection by blocking connections to dangerous websites.

If you have a high-quality antivirus service, you have decent protection. But even the best antivirus technology fails to block all threats, especially new and newly obscured ones.

DNS filtering services track an extremely large number of malicious websites; new ones are constantly added to their block lists. If you click on a deceptive, apparently innocent link to a bad website, a DNS filter can block it. A dangerous download can be halted before it gets anywhere near your computer.

Internet service providers (ISPs), such as Comcast or Verizon, may do DNS filtering for you; however, a dedicated DNS filtering service can provide more extensive protection.

Free DNS filtering services include Cloudflare 1.1.1.1, OpenDNS, and Quad9. DNSFilter and SafeDNS are available for $1 or $2 per month.

A downside of DNS filtering services is that they have the opportunity to track your browsing habits and mine what you look for. So, you need to rely on the integrity and reputation of the service you choose.

If you use a virtual private network (VPN) service, you might find that it also offers DNS filtering. If it does not, you need to determine if you can configure your VPN service to work side-by-side with a DNS filtering service.

A DNS filtering service can add another valuable layer of protection at little or no cost.

Techie: Wells H. Anderson, JD, GPSolo eReport Contributing Technology Editor and CEO of SecureMyFirm, can be reached at 952/922-1120 or through www.securemyfirm.com. Their focus is on protecting small firms from cyber threats with affordable, multiple layers of defense.