Hiring platforms collect and store some of the most sensitive business data, from resumes and social security numbers to tax documents and salary records. In 2023, 73% of organizations reported experiencing a cybersecurity incident that affected recruitment or HR systems. Traditional data encryption methods are no longer enough to protect personal data from increasingly sophisticated attacks. As quantum computing advances, the risk of exposure grows.
Post-quantum cryptography (PQC) aims to solve this. Unlike classical encryption, PQC algorithms are built to resist quantum-based decryption techniques. For companies handling employment data, this next-generation security isn’t a luxury; it’s a necessity, because quantum threats are no longer hypothetical.
Quantum computing is progressing faster than most organizations are prepared for. IBM’s roadmap includes quantum systems with 4,000+ qubits by 2025. These machines will be powerful enough to crack RSA and ECC encryption—the most common encryption methods used in applicant tracking systems, background checks, and payroll platforms.
That means encrypted data captured today could be harvested and stored by bad actors and then decrypted once quantum systems become widely available. This tactic, called “store now, decrypt later,” puts your current hiring data at future risk. Even organizations that feel secure today may be vulnerable tomorrow.
What is Post-Quantum Cryptography?
Post-quantum cryptography refers to cryptographic algorithms designed to be secure against quantum attacks. Unlike encryption based on prime factorization or elliptic curves, PQC relies on mathematical problems that even quantum computers cannot solve efficiently.
The U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has led the charge on PQC standardization. In 2022, NIST announced four algorithms selected for standardization, including CRYSTALS-Kyber and CRYSTALS-Dilithium, which are well-suited for securing digital communications.
This approach is the future of candidate and employee data protection for staffing firms and employers.
Why PQC Matters for Hiring Data
Recruitment systems handle large volumes of personal data, which is often shared across multiple platforms and vendors. The data can include:
- Background check records
- Employment contracts
- Tax identification numbers
- Health benefit selections
- Candidate communications
Most of this information is encrypted using public-key infrastructure (PKI). But PKI is vulnerable to quantum attacks. A quantum computer could render digital signatures and secure connections useless, exposing hiring workflows to interception and manipulation.
PQC helps future-proof this data. It enables encryption that resists both current and quantum threats. When implemented correctly, PQC can secure hiring platforms, ensure the authenticity of digital contracts, and protect candidate communications.
Real Risks for Staffing Firms and Employers
Staffing agencies often serve as data hubs. They collect, store, and transfer information between job seekers and employers. Any vulnerability in this pipeline can compromise thousands of records.
Here are three specific risks PQC can help mitigate:
- Third-party risks: Vendors in recruitment tech stacks, like background check services or skills testing platforms, can become weak points. If they use outdated encryption, the entire system is exposed.
- Credential theft: Quantum attacks could decrypt stored login credentials. This makes multi-factor authentication and password managers only part of the solution.
- Data integrity failures: Digital signatures can verify employment contracts, offer letters, and onboarding documents. Quantum attacks could falsify these signatures, leading to fraud or legal challenges.
Adopting PQC isn’t Simple or Easy
Now, the bad news: Moving to PQC involves major changes to securing, storing, and transmitting data. Most existing systems were never designed with quantum threats in mind, so transitioning requires careful planning.
Some of the most common challenges include:
- Integration across systems: Hiring platforms, payroll systems, and internal databases must adopt PQC algorithms. One weak link breaks the chain of security.
- Performance overhead: PQC algorithms are often larger and slower than traditional encryption methods. This reality can affect the end-user experience.
- Vendor support:
Many HR and recruitment software providers have not yet built PQC into their platforms. Businesses must push for quantum-readiness in vendor contracts. - Migration complexity: Replacing cryptographic libraries involves risk. Poor migration can lead to broken systems or data loss.
Despite these hurdles, early adoption pays off. NIST recommends that organizations start preparing before the official standards are finalized. The goal is not to react to quantum threats once they arrive, but to be ready in advance.
What Businesses Can Do Right Now
Companies don’t need to wait for quantum supremacy to start protecting their hiring data. Here’s how to prepare:
- Audit current systems: Identify where your organization uses legacy encryption. Inventory all places where hiring data is stored, encrypted, or transferred.
- Consult with cybersecurity experts: PQC migration is not a DIY project. Work with partners who understand quantum risks and modern cryptographic protocols.
- Evaluate vendor security: Require all vendors to disclose their encryption standards and PQC-readiness. Push for post-quantum solutions in future contracts.
- Monitor NIST developments: Stay updated on NIST’s PQC standardization process. The algorithms chosen will guide future implementations.
- Educate your team: Recruiters, HR professionals, and IT teams must understand what quantum threats mean for the data they handle daily.
GTN Technical Staffing’s Role in Secure Hiring
As a technology staffing agency, GTN understands how critical data security is for clients and candidates. We work with employers across high-tech, defense, and the healthcare sectors. These industries demand the highest standards of data protection.
Our commitment to secure recruiting means:
- We regularly evaluate our internal and third-party systems for encryption vulnerabilities.
- We work with partners who are actively preparing for PQC adoption.
- We educate our clients on emerging security trends, including quantum risks.
- We prioritize candidate privacy and the integrity of the hiring process.
We don’t just match technical talent; we protect the systems that power your workforce.
Future-Proofing Starts Now
The race toward quantum computing is accelerating. Organizations that delay PQC planning will be exposed to threats they can’t mitigate in time. Securing hiring data is not just an IT concern. It’s a business imperative.
Every resume, offer letter, and onboarding document needs protection built for the next generation of computing. Post-quantum cryptography offers a path forward.
GTN Technical Staffing is here to help you navigate that path with the talent that understands what’s next. Contact us.
