Methodology & Proof Points

1. Board-Level Risk Modeling (“Board Number”)

We provide a probability-weighted exposure model that translates technical findings into a single board-ready risk metric. This model incorporates the likelihood of a cryptographically-induced breach (accounting for emerging quantum capabilities) and the business impact of such a breach. Our assessment engine runs 53 analysis modules (including 12 quantum-specific checks) to compute this risk in financial terms.

A typical engagement might reveal a 5-14% probability of catastrophic, irreversible data exposure due to quantum-vulnerable encryption — a level of risk that exceeds any reasonable appetite. By quantifying exposure in dollars and probability, boards can act on math, not fear.

All assumptions (asset value, threat timelines, discount rates) and intermediate calculations are documented so the math survives audit scrutiny. Breach cost baseline: $4.88M global average (IBM/Ponemon 2024). Regulatory timeline: NIST IR 8547 deprecation path through 2035; OMB M-23-02 federal mandate. HNDL threat analysis methodology informed by Federal Reserve research (2025) and G7 Cyber Expert Group roadmap.

2. Quantum Hardware Validation

When analysis flags a potential weakness exploitable by a quantum adversary, we go beyond simulation — we execute test attacks on actual quantum computers to validate the threat. Our platform orchestrates live cryptographic tests across multi-cloud quantum resources: IBM Quantum, AWS Braket, Azure Quantum, Google Quantum AI, IonQ, D-Wave, Quantinuum, and Rigetti.

Any finding that requires quantum computation to fully evaluate is run on physical quantum processors — not theoretical models. This ensures identified quantum risks are backed by experimental proof, increasing confidence in remediation priorities.

3. Deliverables & Sample Reports

What we do not include in samples: No private keys, no customer traffic, no internal hostnames, no sensitive architecture diagrams.

4. Independent Third-Party Validation

Our methodology is independently reviewed and validated by reputable third parties. We engage external cybersecurity experts to perform an annual methodology audit, ensuring our scanning techniques, quantum testing, and risk models are sound.

Third-party review letters and methodology peer reviews are available upon request for procurement, audit, and risk committees. Customer auditors and CISO teams are invited to observe testing. Our methodology has been reviewed by security researchers at major technology companies — references available under NDA.

5. Comparison with Traditional Scanners

Traditional scanners (Nessus, Qualys, Burp) excel at known CVEs and configuration checks. They don't assess quantum risk, HNDL exposure, or PQC readiness. Here's what Qscout26 finds that others miss:

Real Example: Same Target, Different Results

The same “secure” site that passes traditional scans has critical quantum exposure that Qscout26 quantifies with actionable deadlines. On average, 30-40% of our critical findings are not present in traditional scanner output (based on 50+ engagements).

Detailed finding-by-finding comparison breakdowns available upon request.

6. Quantum Proof-of-Work Finding

Each engagement includes at least one deep-dive finding demonstrating how a real quantum attack could succeed given a specific vulnerability. We do not claim that today's quantum hardware can trivially break strong crypto like RSA-2048 on its own. Instead, we focus on scenarios where a classical vulnerability (e.g. leaked key material) dramatically reduces problem complexity, and then use quantum computing to finish the attack.

What we claim: Classical techniques find the vulnerability. Quantum execution validates its real-world exploitability. This gives clients a concrete proof-of-work for the most critical quantum-relevant weakness in their environment.

Current quantum hardware cannot break production RSA-2048 wholesale. Our testing validates exploit mechanics where classical shortcuts (key leaks, weak entropy, implementation flaws) reduce the problem to quantum-feasible complexity. This distinction is documented explicitly in every report.

7. PQC in Production: Verified Implementations

The public record on PQC migrations is thin but growing. Most organizations treat these projects as competitive intelligence. These verified implementations prove PQC works in production — and reveal the real challenges enterprises face.

Technology

Financial Services

Documented Challenges

What remains missing: No enterprise has published a complete end-to-end migration with costs, timelines, and lessons learned. That gap is where Qsolve26 operates — providing the structured advisory, vendor competition, and trained staff that turn proof-of-concepts into production deployments.

8. HNDL Risk Calculator Methodology

The Harvest Now, Decrypt Later (HNDL) Risk Calculator provides organizations with a transparent, input-driven assessment of their quantum risk exposure. This section documents the complete scoring methodology for audit and procurement review.

Assessment Inputs

Timeline Scenarios

The calculator does not predict when CRQC will arrive. Instead, users select from three planning scenarios based on their risk tolerance:

Risk Factor Weights

Cryptographic Vulnerability Scoring

Algorithms are scored separately for Shor-vulnerability (future quantum threat) and present-day hygiene debt:

Migration Deadline Calculation

Risk Level Thresholds

Scope & Limitations

External Sources & References

All calculator outputs include timestamp, version number, and complete input summary for audit trail purposes. The downloadable evidence summary provides a portable record suitable for internal documentation and compliance planning.