In an era where data already spans hybrid infrastructures and threat landscapes are rapidly evolving, cryptographic risk has climbed the urgency ladder for organizations worldwide. Current encryption strategies are under mounting pressure: quantum computing looms on the horizon, threatening to render today’s algorithms obsolete and expose previously secure data.
A new IBM Institute for Business Value report reveals that only 30% of organizations have completed a cryptographic inventory meaning most enterprises lack foundational visibility into their cryptographic posture and quantum vulnerabilities. In response to this critical gap, IBM introduces Guardium Cryptography Manager, an AI-powered, unified solution designed to help enterprises regain control, strengthen crypto-agility, and advance confidently toward quantum resilience.
Built on IBM’s Quantum-Safe Vision
IBM’s credibility in data security and post-quantum cryptography is backed by decades of cryptographic innovation, enterprise deployments, and forward-looking research. Its work ranges from contributing to NIST’s post-quantum cryptography standards to securing large-scale infrastructures with mission-critical demands.
Uniquely, IBM’s leadership in both quantum systems and post-quantum cryptography yields a deep, dual insight: the risks quantum computing presents, and the tools enterprises must deploy to counter them. This dual vantage enables IBM to guide organizations through their transformation toward true quantum resilience.
Last year, IBM introduced Guardium Quantum Safe to help enterprises assess cryptographic vulnerabilities. Today, Guardium Cryptography Manager extends that foundation by bridging quantum risk intelligence with enterprise-wide encryption and cryptographic object management.
“IBM’s approach to crypto-agility reflects a broader understanding of the evolving cryptographic landscape. By aligning its data security strategy with emerging quantum risks and leveraging its expertise in quantum computing IBM is well-positioned to help organizations prepare for the next era of encryption,” said Heather West, PhD, Research Manager, IDC. “This forward-looking posture is essential as enterprises begin navigating the long-term transition toward quantum resilience.”
Also Read: Phasecraft Unveils Mondrian: Quantum Optimisation Platform
Key Capabilities of Guardium Cryptography Manager
Guardium Cryptography Manager leverages generative AI to surface insights, accelerate remediation, and support smarter, faster decisions. Among its standout capabilities:
Cryptographic Visibility & Control
The solution provides deep visibility into an organization’s cryptographic landscape. It maps relationships between cryptographic objects and IT assets and generates audit-ready reporting. Additional features include an enterprise risk score and automated remediation workflows, offering a unified, holistic view of risk and supporting seamless migration to quantum-resilient encryption.
Agentless Transparent Database Encryption
With centralized, agentless visibility into encryption status across leading enterprise databases, Guardium Cryptography Manager identifies unencrypted or partially encrypted instances in heterogeneous environments. It automates detection of encryption gaps and triggers remediation requests, leveraging each database’s native encryption capabilities to protect sensitive data.
Powering End-to-End Data Security Across Hybrid Environments
Guardium Cryptography Manager is available as of today, with support for certificate lifecycle management and transparent database encryption scheduled for November 2025. It seamlessly builds on IBM’s broader Guardium portfolio enabling organizations to protect sensitive information across hybrid, multi-cloud, SaaS, and on-premises environments throughout its full lifecycle. Within that portfolio, IBM has introduced industry-firsts, such as unified software connecting agentic governance and security.
In parallel, IBM is rolling out new continuous data compliance features for Guardium Data Protection, enabling companies to automate compliance, map regulatory mandates, and monitor audit readines.