Why should you care about quantum computing?

"Right now, criminal and state-sponsored hackers are intercepting and storing encrypted data they cannot yet decode. Likely targets include everything from corporate secrets and medical records to legal agreements and military communications. Why would these actors bother to steal data they can't read? Because they are betting on developments in quantum computing that will eventually let them crack this encrypted data wide open."

"The NSA has mandated that all U.S. national security systems must transition to quantum-resistant cryptography by 2035-with new acquisitions required to be compliant by 2027. In Europe, ENISA issued updated guidance in April 2025 warning that the threat is "sufficient to warrant caution, and to warrant mitigating actions to be taken," and recommending that organizations begin deploying post-quantum cryptography immediately. NIST has launched a parallel global effort to develop the new cryptographic standards on which these transitions will depend."

Criminal and state-sponsored actors are intercepting and storing encrypted data now with the expectation that future quantum computers will decrypt it. Likely targets include corporate secrets, medical records, legal agreements, and military communications. The NSA, NIST, and ENISA treat this 'harvest now, decrypt later' threat as immediate and actionable. The NSA requires U.S. national security systems to adopt quantum-resistant cryptography by 2035, with new acquisitions compliant by 2027. ENISA recommended immediate deployment of post-quantum cryptography in April 2025. NIST is developing new global cryptographic standards to support the transition. Organizations face grave risk if they delay.

Read at Fast Company