Experts warn that quantum computing’s looming ability to crack today’s encryption could render vast amounts of data vulnerable. Gigamon’s latest GigaVUE 6.12 update arms enterprises with post-quantum cryptography (PQC) support, a critical step in securing hybrid cloud infrastructure against future threats.
Why This Matters Now
This isn’t just about staying ahead of the curve; it’s about surviving it. While fully realized quantum computers capable of breaking current encryption are still years away, the “harvest now, decrypt later” strategy is already in play. Attackers are actively collecting encrypted data, betting on future quantum decryption capabilities.
Analysts predict that current cryptographic methods could be unsafe as early as 2030. That timeline has spurred action across industries, 73% of security and IT leaders are already planning to implement PQC measures in their networks.
“Quantum readiness isn’t a future concern. It’s a critical imperative for all security teams today,” – Chaim Mazal, Chief AI and Security Officer at Gigamon.
The Visibility Problem
Transitioning to PQC isn’t a simple flip of a switch. It requires understanding where encryption is used, how data flows, and which assets are most vulnerable. Gigamon’s Deep Observability Pipeline addresses this by providing granular visibility into encrypted environments.
The update embeds quantum-safe algorithms directly into the pipeline, offering:
- Identification of weak cipher suites – Spot non-compliant encryption standards
- Cryptographic usage inventory – Detailed mapping of where encryption is deployed
- PQC adoption validation – Track implementation of quantum-safe algorithms
This visibility extends beyond detection, it helps teams understand their actual exposure before quantum computers become a practical threat.
TLS 1.3 and Precryption Technology
The industry is gradually shifting to TLS 1.3, the only protocol currently supporting PQC. Gigamon supports TLS 1.3 natively and offers two approaches: decrypting network traffic or leveraging its Precryption technology.
Precryption provides cleartext visibility into encrypted traffic flows for virtual, cloud, and container environments without invasive “break and inspect” procedures. This maintains performance and security while still giving teams the insights they need.
Gigamon’s Application Metadata Intelligence (AMI) extends this visibility with context at the application level, now with added PQC support. Security teams can identify and flag insecure cryptographic use, allowing for swift action against potential threats.
Integration with Existing Security Tools
The new PQC features integrate seamlessly with existing security tools like SIEM, vulnerability management, and compliance platforms. The pipeline provides flow records and metadata to popular tools such as:
- Splunk
- QRadar
- Elastic
This facilitates the creation of dashboards and compliance alerts for insecure cryptographic standards. Teams can discover and retire outdated versions of TLS/SSL, minimizing exposure to attacks and supporting compliance needs.
By providing insights into cipher suites, SNI, and endpoint IPs, the GigaVUE 6.12 update enables deeper observability without requiring widespread decryption of network traffic.
Regulatory Pressure Building
According to Gartner, the urgency around migrating to quantum-safe cryptography is accelerating. Governments and regulatory authorities are moving to mandate such upgrades, making proactive measures like those offered by Gigamon increasingly critical.
The GigaVUE 6.12 update isn’t just a patch—it’s a foundational element in building a resilient and quantum-safe future for hybrid cloud infrastructure. As quantum computing evolves from theoretical threat to practical reality, enterprises that prepare now will have a significant advantage over those that wait.
