Moona Ederveen-Schneider: A Pioneering Voice in Cybersecurity and Quantum Threat Preparedness
Moona Ederveen-Schneider stands as a prominent figure in the realm of cybersecurity, bringing over two decades of comprehensive experience across sectors like financial services, risk management, and cyber resilience. With a distinguished career that includes senior roles at notable institutions such as Deutsche Bank, JPMorgan Chase, UBS, Nomura, and ABN Amro, she has made significant contributions to the field. Her recognition as a winner of the Most Inspiring Woman in Cyber Award in 2026 further highlights her influence and expertise. She also previously played a key role as the Executive Director EMEA at FS-ISAC, enhancing her credibility as a thought leader in the cybersecurity landscape.
As the founder of Resilia Connect and the author of the Practical Post-Quantum Transition Framework, Ederveen-Schneider dedicates her efforts to guiding organizations through the evolving complexity of security risks posed by quantum computing. Her focus lies on crucial elements such as post-quantum migration and crypto-agility, aiming to transform intricate technical threats into actionable strategies for business leaders.
In a recent exclusive interview with the Cyber Security Speakers Agency, she candidly addressed the pressing dilemma concerning the quantum threat, explaining how it is already emerging and the common missteps organizations typically make in their preparations. She underscored the necessity for businesses to start reinforcing their security architectures without delay.
Understanding the Underestimated Quantum Threat
Ederveen-Schneider elucidated that many organizations tend to underestimate the implications of quantum computing for cybersecurity. According to her, the threat posed by quantum computers is not simply a futuristic concern; adversaries are already poised to exploit encrypted data, storing it for future decryption once these advanced machines become operationally sufficient.
She pointed out a concerning trend: “Most organizations have not yet started preparing for that transition,” highlighting the urgency for immediate action. To bridge the knowledge gap, she developed her practical post-quantum transition framework, crafted to demystify the complexities of the situation, cutting through the clutter of market hype and vendor exaggerations. The framework aims to make the transition manageable for organizations, facilitating a step-by-step approach towards enhanced security.
Ederveen-Schneider also conducts tabletop exercises designed to equip organizations with the skills to become crypto-agile. She revealed the transformative impact of her sessions, where participants initially approach the challenge with trepidation but leave empowered with confidence and clarity regarding their next steps.
The Urgent Need for Proactive Measures
Discussing the immediacy of the quantum threat, Ederveen-Schneider stated that guidelines from the UK National Cyber Security Centre recommend organizations complete their detailed planning by 2028 and fully migrate by 2035. Drawing attention to Google’s internal migration deadline of 2029, she emphasized the rapid advancements occurring within quantum computing technology. “Google is one of the organizations building these machines, so its decision deserves serious attention,” she remarked, indicating the pressing need for organizational readiness.
Large organizations, she explained, typically require at least five years to conduct a complete cryptographic overhaul, with some needing even longer. As such, the established 2035 deadline is not as generous as it might seem; immediate action is essential. Ederveen-Schneider’s framework aims to facilitate continuous security improvements from day one, offering a structured pathway without overwhelming teams or financial resources.
Moreover, her approach suggests that organizations are not merely preparing for a future threat in isolation; in doing so, they are also fortifying their defenses against current dangers, such as ransomware attacks, AI-enabled threats, and supply chain vulnerabilities.
Common Mistakes in Preparing for Quantum Transition
Ederveen-Schneider identified prevalent mistakes organizations make when beginning their migration to post-quantum cryptography. One major error is viewing the migration as a mere technology project, relegating responsibility solely to the security team. This misconception overlooks the reality that transitioning entails a comprehensive organizational transformation.
The protection of data encompasses multiple areas, including HR, legal, and finance, and is not limited to sectors defined as critical by regulatory frameworks. Ederveen-Schneider also noted that starting with a cryptographic inventory is a common pitfall. Instead, she advocates for a strengthened approach to data security first. Organizations must address a fundamental query: “What are we protecting, and how long does it need to remain confidential?”
Her practical post-quantum transition framework begins with this crucial question, facilitating immediate security enhancements while remaining adaptable to the needs of organizations of various sizes.
As organizations navigate the uncertain waters of quantum threats, Ederveen-Schneider’s insights offer a beacon of clarity. Through her work and guidance, many may find the direction they need to not only safeguard their enterprises but also thrive amidst the complexities of the evolving cybersecurity landscape.