The AI Data Boom and the Encryption Dilemma: Why the Future of Networks Hangs in the Balance

Data is moving faster and in greater volumes than ever before, and the demands on network infrastructure are at an all-time high. AI is fuelling an explosion of data, while cyber threats grow more sophisticated by the day.

 

By 2025, global data creation is expected to reach 181 zettabytes, up from just 64.2 zettabytes in 2020 (IDC). With AI-driven traffic growing at a staggering rate, AI workloads alone will account for a significant share. Meanwhile, cyber threats continue to escalate, with ransomware attacks increasing and quantum computing threats fast approaching.

 

The problem? The very encryption designed to protect this data is now slowing networks down.

 

Four Trends Reshaping Network Speed & Security

 

1. AI’s Data Surge – AI models need to process enormous datasets in real time, putting unprecedented pressure on networks, so without high-speed, high-security infrastructure, AI-driven services will struggle with delays, bottlenecks, and security vulnerabilities.
2. Rising Global Cyber Threats – Ransomware, state-sponsored attacks, and cyber espionage are more sophisticated than ever, which means stronger encryption is crucial to safeguarding sensitive data, but traditional methods can slow down network performance.
3. The Race to Quantum-Safe Security – Quantum computing will render many encryption standards obsolete, requiring new cryptographic approaches. Organizations that don’t prepare now risk being exposed to “harvest now, decrypt later” attacks, where encrypted data is stolen today and cracked once quantum technology matures.
4. Demand for Low-Latency Applications – Real-time financial transactions, 5G networks, and remote collaboration all require sub-millisecond latency. Legacy encryption solutions add too much processing overhead, making them unsuitable for modern low-latency use cases.

 

The Trade-Off Nobody Talks About

 

Right now, many network operators, cloud providers, and data centres are being forced to choose between encryption and speed. The more robust the encryption, the slower the network. To maintain throughput, security risks being dialled back, exposing critical data in motion to risk.

 

Key problems and solutions

1. AI-driven data growth is pushing networks to their limits.

Invest in high-performance infrastructure that can scale with AI-driven demands. Harness advanced encryption solutions designed to keep up with the demands of high-speed, high-volume data transmission.

 

2. Encryption is slowing networks down, forcing compromises on security.Stop choosing between speed and security, demand solutions that deliver both.

Plan for hardware-based encryption that secures data in motion without impacting network performance.

 

3. The post-quantum era will demand even more computing power.Start PQC migration planning now to future-proof your network. PQC-ready encryption that ensures long-term security without disrupting existing infrastructure.

 

4. Speed and security must go hand in hand, not compete.Prioritize solutions that eliminate trade-offs, rather than accepting performance losses. Engage partners with purpose-built encryption technology that accelerates security without adding latency.

 

5. Hardware-first encryption is the only way to achieve both.It’s time to move away from software-based encryption that slows data transmission down. Dedicated encryption hardware that delivers scalable, high-speed protection for evolving network demands is a must have.

 

The Future of Network Security Starts Now

The AI-driven data explosion, rising cyber risks, and PQC demands aren’t future problems, they’re here today. Don’t let security be the bottleneck that holds your business back. With the right encryption approach, you can secure your network at speed. Are you ready?

 

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