Urgent Need for Post-Quantum Cryptography Transition Amid Quantum Threats

• •Federal push for post-quantum cryptography initiated by executive orders.
• •Quantum computers may soon threaten existing encryption methods.
• •Transition to quantum-resistant encryption is urgent to protect sensitive data.

UCI researchers are adapting to a federal push for quantum research and post-quantum cryptography, following two executive orders signed by President Trump on June 22, 2026. These orders aim to accelerate the transition to quantum-resistant encryption due to the potential threat posed by quantum computers capable of breaking current encryption methods. The urgency is underscored by a 2035 target for completing the transition, which has been moved up for sensitive federal systems. Researchers warn that the transition must occur before quantum computers become operational, as the overhaul of encryption across government networks will take years. Meanwhile, foreign adversaries could exploit current encryption vulnerabilities, storing encrypted data for future decryption when quantum capabilities are available. The National Security Agency has begun selecting quantum-resistant algorithms, with deadlines set for 2030 and 2031 for key establishment and digital signatures, respectively.