Quantum Risk Assessment: Understanding and Scoring Data Sensitivity Exposure

In our journey through Quantum Risk Management discussions, we’ve explored the shrinking timelines of cryptographic threats and the strategic importance of Timeline Risk Analysis.

But here's a critical question: Even if quantum computers aren’t here yet, do you know what data of yours would matter when they arrive?

Welcome to the next dimension of Quantum Risk Assessment — Data Security and Sensitivity Risk Analysis.

It’s Not Just About Encryption — It’s About What You're Encrypting

Not all data is created equal.

Some data holds higher business value; some doesn’t. Some needs to remain confidential for months, others for years — and some, like national security records, healthcare data, or intellectual property, must remain secure for decades.

With the growing risk of Store Now, Decrypt Later (SNDL) attacks, adversaries may already be collecting encrypted data today — to decrypt it once quantum capabilities become available.

That’s why every effective quantum migration strategy must begin with a clear understanding of:

• What sensitive data your organization holds

• How long it needs to remain confidential

• Whether it's currently protected with quantum-vulnerable encryption

• Whether encryption practices meet relevant compliance standards

The Purpose of Data Sensitivity Risk Assessment

As a core element of the broader Quantum Risk Assessment (QRA), this module helps answer:

• What data is business-critical?

• What types of data are at risk of long-term exposure — and therefore, vulnerable to SNDL threats?

• Which systems, partners, or business processes rely on quantum-vulnerable encryption?

• Which compliance regimes (e.g., GDPR, HIPAA, national security laws) require long-duration confidentiality?

This analysis is crucial for identifying data assets that combine high sensitivity with long shelf life — and for prioritizing them in your quantum-safe migration roadmap.

How QRA Scores Exposure?

The Quantum Risk Assessment tool evaluates data exposure risk using dimensions such as:

• Data Sensitivity

• Data Retention Needs

• Encryption Method

• Compliance Requirements/Dependencies

Each data asset or class of data is scored to highlight:

• High-risk data requiring urgent re-encryption or hybrid protection

• Medium-risk data with conditional exposure

• Low-risk data not needing long-term confidentiality

These scores provide a data-driven foundation for crypto-agility planning, migration sequencing, and vendor evaluations.

Quantum Risk Assessment: Needs a holistic approach

In earlier articles, we explored Quantum Risk Assessment, how Quantum Threat Timelines are compressing — and why Timeline Risk Analysis is essential to understanding when systems will still be in use when CRQCs arrive.

With this article, we now link when systems will be vulnerable with what data they hold and how sensitive that data is.

Together, these dimensions make quantum risk tangible, actionable, and prioritized.

Strategic Quantum Risk Assessment

If you want to assess your organization’s quantum risk across system lifespan, migration timelines, and data sensitivity, the Quantum Risk Assessment (QRA) Tool offers a structured and practical way to:

• Score risks

• Identify data assets and systems with exposures to quantum threat and their risk levels

• Align with compliance and security goals

• Prioritize efforts for quantum-safe migration

Learn more or explore the tool: 🔗 https://avinyasq.com/quantum-risk-assessment-qra