Governments and industry accelerate quantum planning amid encryption and crypto risks
Ohio lawmakers advanced House Bill 650 to create a bipartisan Frontier Technologies and Quantum Commission that would study quantum computing, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and robotics, while the UK outlined plans to invest up to £2 billion to become a global leader in quantum computing by the early 2030s. Both efforts reflect a broader push to prepare for rapid advances in quantum technology, with policymakers seeking expert guidance on economic impact, workforce needs, commercialization, and national security as competition with China intensifies.
Security concerns featured prominently in both policy and industry discussions. Experts warned that quantum capabilities could eventually undermine current encryption through "harvest now, decrypt later" attacks, increasing pressure to migrate to post-quantum cryptography, while debate in the cryptocurrency sector focused on whether future quantum systems could expose bitcoin tied to revealed public keys. Galaxy Digital said the threat to Bitcoin is real but not yet existential, noting that most holdings are not immediately vulnerable and that developers are already pursuing quantum-resistant address types, phased protocol upgrades, and other mitigations.
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Athene publishes post-quantum migration guide for German local authorities
Germany’s National Research Center for Applied Cybersecurity (Athene), with funding from the state of Hessen, published an operational guide to help local authorities prepare for migration to post-quantum cryptography. The guidance urges immediate no-regret preparation steps because of the long-term 'harvest-now-decrypt-later' risk to sensitive data.
Ohio House unanimously passes bill creating frontier tech commission
The Ohio House of Representatives unanimously passed House Bill 650 to create the Frontier Technologies and Quantum Commission, a bipartisan body to study quantum computing, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, robotics, and related impacts on the state. The commission would provide recommendations to the General Assembly by the end of 2026.
UK announces up to £2 billion quantum computing investment plan
The UK government announced plans to invest up to £2 billion to make the country a global leader in quantum computing, aiming to be the first nation to build and deploy quantum computers at scale by the early 2030s. The strategy includes commercialization, procurement, internships, and funding across quantum computing, networking, sensing, and navigation.
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Post-Quantum Prep Should Start Now, says German State
govinfosecurity.com
Open sourceOhio Senate considers bill to form Frontier Technologies and Quantum Commission | StateScoop
statescoop.com
Open sourceBitcoin’s quantum threat is real, but far from an existential crisis, Galaxy says
coindesk.com
Open sourceThe UK government wants to be a global leader in quantum computing, but is the country prepared? | IT Pro
itpro.com
Open sourceUnderstanding China’s Quest for Quantum Advancement
csis.org
Open sourceVying for Quantum Supremacy: U.S.-China Competition in Quantum Technologies | U.S.- CHINA | ECONOMIC and SECURITY REVIEW COMMISSION
uscc.gov
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Growing Concern Over Quantum Computing Threats to Cryptography and Post-Quantum Migration
Concerns about **quantum computing** undermining today’s cryptography are influencing both market behavior and policy planning. A Jefferies strategist reportedly removed a 10% **Bitcoin** allocation from a model portfolio, citing the risk that future quantum advances could eventually compromise cryptographic protections underpinning cryptocurrencies (e.g., long-term concerns around breaking schemes associated with Bitcoin’s security model, which relies on `SHA-256` hashing and public-key cryptography for ownership control). The decision reflects broader investor anxiety that a surprise cryptographic break could rapidly erode confidence and value across crypto markets. In parallel, the **G7 Cyber Expert Group** published a roadmap calling for the financial sector to complete **post-quantum cryptography (PQC)** implementation by **2034**, emphasizing early-stage quantum risk awareness, sensitive data and critical system mapping, and building detailed inventories that include third-party dependencies. The roadmap recommends beginning migration activities in the 2026–2029 window, progressing to quantum-resistant solutions through 2034, and prioritizing **cryptographic agility** so organizations can adapt as standards and threats evolve. Separate reporting on a **58% increase in ransomware victims in 2025** describes a fragmented ransomware ecosystem and sector targeting trends, but it is not directly tied to quantum-driven cryptographic risk or PQC migration planning.
Apr 14, 2026
Enterprise and National Acceleration Toward Quantum Computing Adoption
Quantum computing has rapidly transitioned from research labs to mainstream technology, with 2025 marking a significant surge in enterprise adoption and national investment. Post-quantum cryptography remains a primary focus due to its security implications, but a growing array of business use cases is emerging as organizations and governments recognize the transformative potential of quantum technologies. Major technology companies such as Google and IBM are providing accessible quantum development tools, frameworks, and cloud-based platforms, while open-source projects and development kits like TKET, Qiskit, and QuTiP are accelerating innovation and collaboration across the ecosystem. National governments are investing millions to secure leadership in quantum computing, fostering partnerships among hardware manufacturers, software developers, startups, academia, and public sector entities. The proliferation of open-source quantum projects on platforms like GitHub and QOSF, along with the rapid advancement of compilers and algorithms, is fueling the growth of quantum-proficient talent and expanding the practical deployment of quantum systems. This collective momentum signals the arrival of the "quantum decade," with significant implications for encryption, key management, and the future of secure digital infrastructure.
Mar 21, 2026
White House Plans Orders to Protect Quantum Research and Accelerate Post-Quantum Encryption
The White House is preparing executive orders to tighten protection of U.S. quantum research against foreign espionage and speed the federal government’s shift to post-quantum encryption. One draft order would direct the FBI and intelligence community to strengthen safeguards around American quantum work, with concern focused on foreign collection efforts and the long-term threat of **"harvest now, decrypt later"** operations that store encrypted data for future decryption once quantum capabilities mature. A separate order would reportedly require federal civilian agencies to adopt **NIST-vetted** quantum-resistant encryption before the current 2035 target, with draft deadlines of **2029 or 2030** and reporting to OMB for agencies that fall behind. The broader initiative also includes support for the domestic quantum sector through federal research, development, hosting of a government-backed quantum computer by the Departments of Energy and Defense, and expanded Commerce Department planning and financing, building on more than **$2 billion** in previously announced incentives for nine quantum companies under the **CHIPS and Science Act**.
Jun 26, 2026