Trump Sets Quantum Deadline as US Ramps Up Encryption Race

US President Donald Trump has signed two executive orders aimed at speeding up the country's shift to quantum-resistant encryption. The orders set a deadline of 2031 for federal systems to adopt post-quantum cryptography, which will help protect against future quantum attacks.

The first order focuses on securing the nation against advanced cryptographic attacks, while the second pushes the country to develop a quantum computer capable of major scientific work within five years. Google and IBM leaders attended an Oval Office ceremony where Trump signed the orders.

According to National Cyber Director Sean Cairncross, quantum computing will eventually challenge 'public key cryptography, which is what secures everything.' The order also reworks federal procurement rules to speed adoption of new standards across government contractors.

The threat is framed as a 'harvest now, decrypt later' scenario, where adversaries bank encrypted data today and crack it once the machines mature. This risk extends into crypto, with roughly 7 million Bitcoin (BTC) potentially facing a future quantum attack, including dormant wallets and live exchange reserves.