Trump Sets Quantum Deadline for Federal Systems
President Donald Trump signed two executive orders to accelerate the US shift to quantum-resistant encryption. The orders set a 2031 deadline for federal systems to adopt post-quantum cryptography, with key establishment by the end of 2030 and digital signatures by the same date in 2031.
The measures aim to protect against advanced cryptographic attacks from future quantum computers. National Cyber Director Sean Cairncross described the threat as 'harvest now, decrypt later', where adversaries store encrypted data today and crack it when machines mature.
Industry analysts estimate that around 7 million Bitcoin could face eventual quantum risk. Coinbase's advisory board has warned of a potential attack on dormant wallets and live exchange reserves.