Quantum Computing Could Break Today's Encryption, and Preparations Are Speeding Up

Quantum computers use unusual properties of quantum physics to solve certain problems far faster than conventional machines. According to the article, a sufficiently powerful one could crack widely used forms of encryption that protect emails, financial transactions, government communications and military systems. The author argues this risk is getting less attention than debates about artificial intelligence, and that it is simpler: extraordinarily fast machines could break the mathematical locks securing data.

There are signs the timeline may be shortening. This spring, Caltech spinout Oratomic published research suggesting a cryptographically relevant quantum computer could need dramatically fewer physical resources than earlier estimates. Google has also accelerated its own preparations and set 2029 as its target for moving to post-quantum cryptography. The author says that if a company with deep quantum and cryptographic expertise is preparing for 2029, lawmakers should take that deadline seriously.

The US government has begun to respond. The National Security Agency has selected quantum-resistant algorithms for National Security Systems and is moving sensitive systems towards its CNSA 2.0 standards. In June, the White House accelerated the wider federal transition, directing high value federal systems to adopt post-quantum cryptography for key establishment by the end of 2030 and for digital signatures by the end of 2031. This summary covers only the opening of the article.