MX in the news: Security Week. The ‘harvest now, decrypt later problem’.

Security Week spotlighted a growing headache with a simple name and a complex fallout: harvest now, decrypt later. The feature explored how attackers quietly copy encrypted archives today, then wait for future compute advances to unlock them. In that context, My MX Data’s ASR approach, often referred to as a quantum secure patented methodology, drew attention for tackling the risk at the architectural layer, not only through stronger ciphers.

Here is the story in plain terms. Sharding, usually a database trick, gets repurposed for secure file exchange. MX breaks content into anonymised shards, routes them separately, then restores them only for named recipients. If one shard is intercepted, it reads like noise. If four travel distinct routes, correlation becomes an exhausting puzzle rather than a casual win for an archive hoarder.

Why harvest now, decrypt later is different

One short line, several hard implications.

• Time works against you: A secure archive today might be readable later, when attackers gain quantum grade tools.
• Long value data is exposed: Product designs, clinical studies, and legal archives retain value for years.
• Quiet theft is common: Attackers can copy first, and wait for the moment to unlock later.
• Supply chain magnifies risk: The more partners that touch a file, the easier it is to harvest unnoticed.

MX ASR, in one minute

MX combines sharding with anonymisation and restore on demand. Each shard travels a separate path, stripped of metadata and context, then recombines for the authorised person. Add end to end audit trails and strict recipient control, and you have a workflow that facilitates stronger compliance practice while keeping teams productive.

Those two figures tell the story. Sharing is pervasive, future ready controls are still niche. If you want a primer on the cryptography landscape, skim our note on quantum ready protection.

How ASR changes the game

Three models, one choice.

Short FAQs

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Five actions to start this month

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Want to see ASR in action, start a free trial, compare plans, and explore B2B secure file exchange. For deeper background, read The Insider’s Guide to Advanced Features and our overview of robust security features.