Preparing Your Network For Post-Quantum Cryptography

As post-quantum cryptography becomes a necessity in today’s world, network professionals and security-conscious users must take action to prepare their systems for quantum-safe standards. In this blog post, we’ll walk you through a hands-on example using the Free Network Monitor Assistant to evaluate your network’s readiness for post-quantum encryption, step by step. Our focus is on practical actions to help future-proof your network’s encryption infrastructure.

Introduction: Getting Started with Quantum-Safety Checks

Let’s imagine you’re responsible for securing your organization’s main website, companyexample.com, and want to know if it’s protected with post-quantum cryptography. You want clear answers: Does your server support quantum-safe algorithms? Are your TLS endpoints exposed to quantum threats? Here’s how you can use the Free Network Monitor Assistant to find out.

Step 1: Add Your Host for Quantum Monitoring

User:
I want to check if companyexample.com is ready for post-quantum encryption. What do I do first?

Assistant:
Great first step! To monitor this host for quantum readiness, we’ll add companyexample.com and set the endpoint type to 'quantum' so the assistant can actively check for post-quantum cryptographic protection.

Here's the function that sets up monitoring:

{
  "name": "functions.add_host",
  "arguments": {
    "detail_response": true,
    "address": "companyexample.com",
    "endpoint": "quantum",
    "email": "[email protected]"
  }
}

We use add_host to register companyexample.com for quantum-safe testing. This setup enables automated scans for quantum-vulnerable ports and checks for current post-quantum algorithm support.

Step 2: Retrieve Results and Analyze

User:
How do I see if quantum-safe algorithms like Kyber or Dilithium2 are supported?

Assistant:
Once your host is being monitored, you’ll want to pull up the latest quantum assessment details. I’ll request the most recent scan data for your host:

{
  "name": "functions.get_host_data",
  "arguments": {
    "detail_response": true,
    "dataset_id": 0,
    "address": "companyexample.com"
  }
}

We use get_host_data to retrieve up-to-date monitoring results. The assistant reviews the findings: Does the scan confirm support for post-quantum KEMs such as Kyber or Dilithium2? If not, it will flag which protocols are missing or vulnerable. These insights tell you exactly where upgrades are required.

Step 3: Get Tailored Recommendations

User:
My results say Kyber512 isn’t enabled and my server is using only traditional TLS. What next?

Assistant:
You’re on the right track! Now, let’s go a step further and ask the integrated quantum security expert for actionable recommendations, including configuration changes or vendor guidance.

{
  "name": "functions.call_quantum_expert",
  "arguments": {
    "message": "Please review companyexample.com and provide specific actions to enable Kyber512 and post-quantum-safe configuration on all web-facing TLS ports.",
    "agent_location": "Scanner - EU"
  }
}

The assistant leverages call_quantum_expert to deliver a concise action plan. Expect guidance on firmware updates, certificate replacement, and which vendors support post-quantum algorithms.

Step 4: Continuous Monitoring and Alerts

User:
Can I get alerts if my server’s quantum status changes?

Assistant:
Absolutely. When you add a host for ongoing quantum monitoring, you can set up email notifications for any changes in your quantum cryptography status. This way, you’ll always know if your organization’s exposure to quantum threats shifts.

Step 5: Expand to Multiple Systems

User:
I also have other servers; can I check them all together?

Assistant:
Definitely. You can add multiple hosts by repeating the add_host process for each address and endpoint. The get_host_list and get_host_data functions make it easy to monitor trends and vulnerabilities across your entire network.

Conclusion: Future-Proofing Starts Now

By using Free Network Monitor Assistant’s quantum assessment features, you can identify where your encryption needs upgrading, receive clear remediation steps, and maintain vigilance with automatic monitoring. This practical approach positions you ahead of the quantum security curve—all with just a few guided steps. Ready to try it yourself? Start by adding your key hosts for quantum monitoring and let the assistant help you build quantum-resilient defenses, today!