The next strategic surprise may arrive as mathematics, not missiles.
Quantum computing may still sound like something on the horizon, but for national security leaders, the time to prepare is now.
As quantum technology continues to advance, the cryptography that protects sensitive information, communications and mission systems today could eventually be vulnerable to quantum-enabled attacks. That makes post-quantum cybersecurity more than an IT concern. It is becoming a mission assurance issue.
During TechNet Augusta 2026, the Georgia Cyber Center at Augusta University and resident partner SOFtact Solutions will bring together cybersecurity, government, military and industry leaders for a discussion focused on what organizations can do now to prepare for the post-quantum battlespace.
Winning Before Q-Day
The workshop, “Winning Before Q-Day: Preparing the Force for the Post-Quantum Battlespace,” will take place Wednesday, August 19 from 2 to 5 p.m. in Estes A at the Augusta Convention Center.
The first hour will feature a panel discussion examining the national security implications of quantum computing and what organizations should be doing now to prepare for the transition to post-quantum cryptography.
The conversation will focus on:
- Strategic deterrence
- National security implications
- Near-peer competition
- Quantum advantage timelines
- Operational resilience
The panel will be moderated by Georgia Cyber Center’s Executive Director, Eric Toler, and will include experts from government, academia and industry, including SOFtact Solutions Roy Stephan and Steve Trevino, Zscaler Public Sector Field CTO Pat Perry, EnQuanta CEO Scott Schnorrenberg, Augusta University’s Dr. Jeff Morris, U.S. Army Cyber Command’s Al Mallenkopf, Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory’s Prathibha Rama, and ArCTIC Laboratory’s COL Tom Nelson.
Why post-quantum cybersecurity matters now
One of the biggest concerns surrounding quantum computing is the potential impact on today’s encrypted data.
Adversaries do not necessarily have to wait until a sufficiently powerful quantum computer exists. Sensitive information encrypted today could be collected and stored with the expectation that it can be decrypted in the future. This approach, often referred to as “harvest now, decrypt later,” makes long-term data protection an issue that organizations need to consider today.
For military and national security organizations, the implications extend well beyond protecting individual systems.
Cryptographic trust supports command and control, intelligence, logistics, communications and mission execution. If that trust is compromised, the consequences can reach directly into operational readiness and mission effectiveness.
That is why preparing for Q-Day cannot be treated as an IT upgrade or a compliance exercise alone.
It requires leaders to understand where cryptography is being used, identify what needs to be prioritized and develop a practical path toward post-quantum readiness.
From awareness to action
Following the panel, the workshop will shift from discussion to demonstrations and detailed Q&A.
The goal is straightforward: give leaders a better understanding of what post-quantum readiness looks like in practice and what steps organizations can take to begin preparing.
The session will also address actionable strategies for meeting federal post-quantum cryptography requirements and milestones while considering the operational realities of large, complex environments.
For organizations responsible for national security, the question is no longer simply when will quantum computing arrive?
The better question is will we be ready when it does?
Building a more resilient post-quantum future
The transition to post-quantum cryptography will not happen overnight. Organizations will need time to identify cryptographic assets, evaluate systems, prioritize risks and implement new approaches without disrupting critical missions.
That makes preparation itself a strategic advantage.
The Georgia Cyber Center at Augusta University is proud to partner with SOFtact Solutions to bring this conversation to TechNet Augusta and connect leaders with experts working across government, academia and industry.
Because when Q-Day arrives, the organizations that prepared early will not be starting from scratch.
They will already be moving.
TechNet Augusta 2026: Winning Before Q-Day
Wednesday, August 19, 2026
2 to 5 p.m.
Augusta Convention Center, Estes A
2 to 3 p.m.: Panel discussion
3 to 5 p.m.: Demonstrations and detailed Q&A
TechNet Augusta 2026 brings military, government, academia and industry together to explore emerging technologies and solutions supporting cyber electromagnetic activities, unified land operations and future warfighting.
Learn more about the conference and view the full schedule through AFCEA TechNet Augusta 2026.
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