Post-Quantum Cryptography and Its Impact on Mainframe Security
Aug. 20-21, 2026 | Pittsburgh
SHARE Blueprint is a new, focused two-day event with actionable strategies to prepare for the post quantum era. As quantum computing advances, it is reshaping the future of mainframe security. This event will explore the impact of post-quantum cryptography and deliver the strategic and technical clarity needed to protect your most sensitive data.
Attend SHARE Blueprint as a standalone experience or take your SHARE Pittsburgh experience to the next level and add it on to your conference registration. If you’re coming to Pittsburgh to stay ahead of the curve, this is where you’ll want to spend two extra days.
Registration Fee: $299
Register Now
To register for SHARE Blueprint only, complete the required fields on the first page of the SHARE Pittsburgh registration form. Once complete, the Blurprint-only option will appear.
Agenda
All times were in Eastern Standard Time (EST). Agenda subject to change
Thursday, Aug. 20
2-3 p.m.
Welcome and Keynote
Denise Ruffner, VP of Business Development, Co-Founder of DiviQ, President of Women in Quantum
The Quantum Era Is Here: Rethinking Cybersecurity for What’s Next or Quantum Is Coming Faster Than You Think — Is Security Ready?
3-3:50 p.m.
Quantum Threats and PQC Fundamentals on IBM Z
Anne Dames, Distinguished Engineer and IBM Z Cryptographic Technology Architect, IBM
In an era where quantum computing could compromise classical encryption like RSA and ECC, this 50-minute executive overview explains the specific risks to IBM mainframes — including long-lived encrypted datasets and legacy protocols vulnerable to "harvest now, decrypt later" attacks. Attendees gain a clear understanding of NIST's finalized PQC standards (ML-KEM for key encapsulation, ML-DSA for signatures, and SLH-DSA for hash-based backup) and how IBM Z platforms (z16 and z17) already incorporate hardware acceleration via Crypto Express adapters and software support in ICSF as well as crypto agility for System SSL/AT- TLS. Designed for z/OS leaders, the session highlights why proactive assessment is essential now to protect mission-critical data ahead of industry and federal deadlines of 2029 and 2030, respectively.
4-4:50 p.m.
The Regulatory Crucible & Technical Realities (Governance Track)
Tom Cosenza, SHARE Board of Directors
The transition to Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC) is no longer a distant line item—it is an immediate operational and revenue factor. This session breaks down the critical shift to quantum-resistant algorithms driven by expanding mandates This session breaks down the critical shift to quantum-resistant algorithms driven by aggressive federal timelines, such as the new executive directives—EO 14412 (Securing the Nation Against Advanced Cryptographic Attacks) and EO 14413 (Ushering in the Next Frontier of Quantum Innovation). Attendees will examine how these fast-tracked targets, alongside NIST FIPS 203–205, CNSA 2.0, DORA, and new U.S. legislative pressures (H.R. 3259 and H.R. 4942), directly impact z/OS configurations, PKI Services, and System SSL/TLS protocols. The session delivers practical discovery frameworks to mitigate immediate "Harvest Now, Decrypt Later" (HNDL) risks.
Navigating PQC Standards and Global Roadmaps (Technical Track)
Michael Jordan, Distinguished Engineer, Broadcom
This focused 50-minute technical session explores how Post-Quantum Cryptography seamlessly integrates into the IBM Z software and hardware ecosystem. Participants examine hardware acceleration on Crypto Express8S (CEX8S) for ML-KEM and ML-DSA, ICSF's key management capabilities (including hybrid modes and CCA/EP11 APIs), and protocol-level enhancements in System SSL/AT-TLS for quantum-safe TLS 1.3 handshakes. With practical insights into performance trade-offs from larger key sizes and tools, the session equips experienced z/OS architects and admins to evaluate and implement PQC within existing infrastructure—ensuring cryptographic resilience without major overhauls.
5-5:50 p.m.
Organizing for Execution & Corporate Risk Structure (Governance Track)
Tom Cosenza, SHARE Board of Directors
Moving from cryptographic discovery to enterprise-grade governance requires a fundamental shift in how organizations manage risk. This session provides a practical roadmap for establishing a board-reporting PQC Steering Committee and defining clear, cross-functional accountabilities (including the role of a "PQC Czar"). Participants will explore how to draft actionable crypto-agility policies, audit third-party vendor readiness, and embed PQC into a corporate risk registry to reduce multi-year migration costs.
Practical Migration to PQC on Mainframes (Technical Track)
Tim Hill, VP Software Engineering, Rocket Software
Tailored for teams planning execution, this 50-minute actionable session delivers a high-level roadmap aligned with best practices and federal timelines. Covering discovery via zCDI and SMF records, risk prioritization, hybrid transition planning (classical + PQC), non-production pilots, phased deployment, and ongoing monitoring with zERT, attendees learn to minimize disruption while addressing challenges like legacy retrofits and interoperability. Participants leave empowered to begin inventory today, pilot hybrids in the near term, and achieve full quantum-safe readiness by 2033–2035.
Mix and mingle with other Blueprint attendees; light hors d’oeuvres and drinks will be served.
Friday, Aug. 21
8:30-10 a.m.
Interactive Tabletop Exercises
Put your learning into action in this hands-on working session. Attendees will collaborate in small groups to work through a realistic PQC organizational challenge, applying key concepts and strategies discussed earlier.
Possible scenarios include:
- Developing a prioritized, owned roadmap for mainframe cryptographic dependencies while defining acceptable interim controls.
- Establishing clear governance, testing, and deployment processes for PQC certificates and code-signing across z/OS while maintaining backward compatibility.
- Defining performance thresholds, selective enablement strategies, and mitigation plans to adopt PQC without breaking operational SLAs.
Insights from each group will be captured and shared with all Blueprint attendees so everyone benefits from the collective expertise.
10:15-11 a.m.
Group Report Out
Building on the tabletop exercise, each group will present a high-level overview of their approach and roadmap. Participants will have the opportunity to compare perspectives, exchange ideas, and synthesize key takeaways across scenarios.
11 a.m.-Noon
From Insight to Action: PQC Expert Panel
Wrap up the day with our panel of PQC experts as they reflect on key takeaways from the event, share insights gathered from the working group sessions, and offer practical guidance on your next steps for addressing post-quantum cryptography challenges.
Who Should Attend
Blueprint is ideal for technology leaders, architects, managers, and professionals who want to understand not just how to execute on today’s systems, but why those systems are evolving — and where they’re headed next.
- z/OS professionals
- Cybersecurity and risk leaders
- Mainframe architects and security engineers
- CISOs, CROs, and compliance executives
- Vendors and partners supporting enterprise security
What to Expect
Get exclusive access to curated, future-forward content
Blueprint is engineered for practitioners who want to zoom out, see what’s coming, and understand how today’s decisions shape tomorrow’s tech landscape. Think strategic frameworks, deep-dive discussions, and insights you won’t find anywhere else in the program.
Learn directly from industry experts and practitioners
You’ll hear from leaders who are driving real transformation — sharing practical strategies, emerging trends, and proven patterns that you can take home and implement immediately.
Connect with peers in a more intimate, collaborative environment
Blueprint is designed for interaction. Smaller groups mean more meaningful conversations, better networking, and richer idea sharing across organizations.
Bring home tools and perspectives that amplify your conference ROI
Pairing Blueprint with the full SHARE Pittsburgh experience gives your team a comprehensive blend of strategic vision and hands-on technical depth, ensuring you get maximum value from your time on-site.