Quantum computing security threats will reshape encryption. Learn post-quantum cryptography strategies to protect data now.

Did You Know Quantum Computers Could Crack Your Security by 2035?

Did you know quantum computers could break modern encryption by 2035? The race to harness quantum power is accelerating faster than most organizations anticipate, putting trillions of dollars’ worth of sensitive data at severe risk. This isn’t a distant theoretical concern—it’s a looming reality that demands immediate action from every cybersecurity professional, IT leader, and data steward Quantum computers are projected to become sufficiently powerful to compromise widely used cryptographic standards around 2035.

The stakes are impossibly high. Malicious actors can employ a "harvest now, decrypt later" strategy today, intercepting and storing encrypted data to decrypt it once quantum capabilities mature Malicious actors can employ a 'harvest now, decrypt later' strategy, intercepting and storing encrypted data today to decrypt it once quantum capabilities mature. This silent threat means even your most sensitive data—financial records, healthcare information, and national security secrets—could become exposed decades after it was collected.

Critical timeline: 73% of security professionals expect quantum risks within 5 years
"73% of IT security professionals expect quantum computing to pose a material risk to encryption within five years, and 32% expect it within three years" 73% of IT security professionals expect quantum computing to pose a material risk to encryption within five years, and 32% expect it within three years

The clock is ticking. IBM’s latest 433-qubit processor is just the beginning, with predictions of systems surpassing 1,000 qubits within years IBM currently operates a 433-qubit Osprey chip and predicts quantum processors will scale to systems surpassing 1,000 qubits within the next few years, potentially exceeding several thousand qubits by 2035. State-sponsored attackers are already positioning themselves as the likely first movers in exploiting these capabilities around 2035 State-sponsored attackers are likely to be the first movers, exploiting quantum capabilities for espionage purposes around 2035. With only 9% of tech leaders having a post-quantum roadmap today, the gap between current preparedness and future necessity could not be wider Only 9% of tech leaders surveyed have a roadmap in place for dealing with post-quantum cryptography.

How Quantum Tech Could Make Today's Encryption Completely Useless

At the heart of this crisis lies Shor’s algorithm, a quantum computational breakthrough that renders many of today’s cryptographic systems fundamentally obsolete Shor's algorithm demonstrates that sufficiently powerful quantum computers will render many current cryptographic systems obsolete. RSA, ECC, and Diffie-Hellman—the bedrock of secure web traffic, financial transactions, and corporate networks—rely on the computational difficulty of factoring large numbers or solving discrete logarithms. Quantum computers, however, can solve these problems in polynomial time, shredding the mathematical guarantees that protect them.

The practical implications are staggering. The resources required to break RSA encryption have already plummeted from approximately 20 million qubits in 2019 to fewer than 1 million qubits by 2025 The estimated resources required to break RSA encryption have decreased from approximately 20 million qubits in 2019 to fewer than 1 million qubits by 2025. Google’s 105-qubit processor can already compute problems in minutes that would take classical supercomputers 10 septillion years Google estimates their 105-qubit quantum processor can compute in just five minutes what would take today's fastest non-quantum supercomputers around 10 septillion (10^25) years. As quantum hardware scales, this gap will widen exponentially.

timeline
    title Resources Needed to Break RSA Encryption
    section 2019 : 
        Qubits Required : 20 million
    section 2025 : 
        Qubits Required : <1 million
    section 2035 : 
        Estimated Breach : Possible

Beyond technical feasibility, the systemic risk is profound. A single quantum-enabled breach could expose decades of encrypted communications, trade secrets, and personal identities—creating irreversible damage across the global economy A quantum-enabled breach of encryption could occur undetected, presenting a systemic risk of unprecedented scale across the global economy. Intelligence agencies have already invested heavily in quantum capabilities, with disclosed programs like the $80 million "Penetrating Hard Targets" initiative revealed in Edward Snowden’s disclosures Intelligence agencies demonstrated significant interest in quantum computing for surveillance, including an $80 million 'Penetrating Hard Targets' initiative revealed in Edward Snowden's 2013 disclosures. The message is clear: preparation isn’t optional—it’s existential.

Investment in quantum technologies reflects this urgency, with $1.25 billion poured into the space in Q1 2025 alone Investment in quantum computing technologies reached $1.25 billion in Q1 2025 alone. Yet, 63% of individuals still cite future encryption compromise as a major threat, underscoring widespread awareness without matched action 63% of surveyed individuals cited future encryption compromise as a major quantum computing security threat. The path forward requires not just technical upgrades, but a fundamental shift in how organizations approach cryptographic security.

Who's Winning the Quantum Computing Race (And Why It Matters to You)

The quantum computing landscape is evolving at breakneck speed, with hardware manufacturers pushing the boundaries of what’s computationally possible today. At the forefront of this revolution stands IBM, which currently operates a 433-qubit Osprey chip and predicts quantum processors will scale to systems surpassing 1,000 qubits within the next few years, potentially exceeding several thousand qubits by 2035 IBM currently operates a 433-qubit Osprey chip and predicts quantum processors will scale to systems surpassing 1,000 qubits within the next few years, potentially exceeding several thousand qubits by 2035. This rapid scaling isn’t just theoretical—Google’s 105-qubit processor has already demonstrated staggering computational advantages, computing in just five minutes what would take today’s fastest non-quantum supercomputers around 10 septillion (10^25) years Google estimates their 105-qubit quantum processor can compute in just five minutes what would take today's fastest non-quantum supercomputers around 10 septillion (10^25) years.

Investment in quantum computing technologies reflects this urgency, with $1.25 billion poured into the space in Q1 2025 alone Investment in quantum computing technologies reached $1.25 billion in Q1 2025 alone. The race isn’t just about qubit counts—it’s about achieving quantum supremacy, where quantum computers solve problems intractable for classical machines. This milestone could arrive sooner than many expect, with some projections suggesting sufficiently powerful quantum computers to compromise current encryption may emerge by 2035 Quantum computers are projected to become sufficiently powerful to compromise widely used cryptographic standards around 2035.

The architectural differences between leading quantum processors are stark. IBM’s Osprey chip emphasizes modular scalability, allowing incremental upgrades, while Google’s processor focuses on coherent qubit interactions to maximize computational fidelity. These approaches highlight divergent strategies to achieve the same goal: practical quantum advantage.

flowchart LR
    A[IBM Osprey Chip] -->|433 Qubits| B[Modular Scalability]
    C[Google Quantum Processor] -->|105 Qubits| D[Coherent Interactions]
    B --> E[Scalable to 1000+ Qubits]
    D --> F[High Fidelity Computations]
    E & F --> G[Quantum Supremacy Pathway]

Key Insight: The quantum hardware race is accelerating, with clear pathways to systems that could break modern encryption within this decade [fact-2][fact-3][fact-15]. Organizations must monitor these developments closely, as the timeline for action is shortening.

What Are Quantum-Proof Security Standards And How Do They Work?

As quantum threats loom, the cryptographic community has responded with post-quantum cryptography (PQC) standards designed to resist quantum attacks. In 2024, the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) published three PQC standards, marking a critical step toward quantum-safe security NIST published three post-quantum cryptography (PQC) standards in 2024 designed to withstand quantum-enabled attacks. These standards address key algorithms including lattice-based cryptography, code-based cryptography, and multivariate polynomial cryptography, each offering distinct advantages for different use cases.

NIST’s roadmap is clear: organizations should phase out RSA and ECC by 2030 and entirely discontinue them by 2035 to mitigate quantum risks NIST recommends organizations phase out RSA and ECC by 2030 and entirely discontinue them by 2035. This timeline aligns with international guidance—for example, the UK’s National Cyber Security Centre advises high-risk systems to migrate to PQC by 2030, with full adoption targeted by 2035 The UK's National Cyber Security Centre advises high-risk systems to migrate to PQC by 2030, with full adoption by 2035.

To bridge the transition period, experts recommend transitioning to a hybrid encryption model that combines classical methods with NIST’s post-quantum cryptography standards Experts recommend transitioning to a hybrid encryption model that combines classical methods with NIST's post-quantum cryptography standards. This approach ensures continuous protection while organizations fully adopt quantum-resistant algorithms.

Adopting PQC isn’t without challenges. Survey data reveals that only 9% of tech leaders have a roadmap in place for dealing with post-quantum cryptography, and 73% of IT security professionals expect quantum computing to pose a material risk to encryption within five years Only 9% of tech leaders surveyed have a roadmap in place for dealing with post-quantum cryptography73% of IT security professionals expect quantum computing to pose a material risk to encryption within five years, and 32% expect it within three years. For regulated industries such as healthcare, finance, and government, preparing now for PQC is essential to maintain long-term data confidentiality Highly regulated industries such as healthcare, finance, and government must prepare now for post-quantum cryptography to maintain long-term data confidentiality.

“Organizations must unify security tools, enforce centralized policy controls, and ensure seamless protection across hybrid environments to achieve mature data security posture management” Malicious actors can employ a 'harvest now, decrypt later' strategy, intercepting and storing encrypted data today to decrypt it once quantum capabilities mature

For deeper insights into cryptographic fundamentals, refer to A Guide to Understanding Cryptography. As quantum capabilities advance, staying informed about evolving standards and best practices will be crucial—explore upcoming shifts in authentication and identity protection through The Future of Digital Identity: What to Expect.

Actionable Takeaways

1. Track quantum hardware progress—monitor qubit counts and error rates to gauge proximity to cryptographic breaking points [fact-2][fact-3].
2. Begin PQC migration planning—prioritize high-risk systems and align with NIST’s 2030/2035 timeline [fact-7][fact-8][fact-9].
3. Implement hybrid encryption—combine classical and quantum-resistant algorithms to maintain protection during transition [fact-21].
4. Engage with industry guidance—stay updated through NIST, NCSC, and sector-specific frameworks [fact-7][fact-8][fact-9].
5. Allocate budget and resources—quantum-safe readiness requires investment; the average organization scores just 25 on a 100-point quantum-safe index IBM's 2025 Quantum-Safe Readiness Index (QSRI) shows the average quantum-safe readiness score is 25 on a 100-point scale, up from 21 in 2023.

How to Build a Quantum-Safe Security Plan Before It's Too Late

As quantum capabilities advance, organizations can no longer afford to treat post-quantum cryptography (PQC) as a future concern. The stakes are too high: malicious actors could intercept and store encrypted data today to decrypt it later once quantum computers mature—a strategy known as "harvest now, decrypt later" Malicious actors can employ a 'harvest now, decrypt later' strategy, intercepting and storing encrypted data today to decrypt it once quantum capabilities mature. With IBM's 2025 Quantum-Safe Readiness Index (QSRI) showing the average quantum-safe readiness score is 25 on a 100-point scale, up from 21 in 2023 IBM's 2025 Quantum-Safe Readiness Index (QSRI) shows the average quantum-safe readiness score is 25 on a 100-point scale, up from 21 in 2023, the urgency for action has never been greater.

The reality is stark: only 9% of tech leaders surveyed have a roadmap in place for dealing with post-quantum cryptography Only 9% of tech leaders surveyed have a roadmap in place for dealing with post-quantum cryptography. For highly regulated industries such as healthcare, finance, and government, delaying preparation risks long-term data confidentiality Highly regulated industries such as healthcare, finance, and government must prepare now for post-quantum cryptography to maintain long-term data confidentiality. To bridge this readiness gap, organizations should adopt a four-step action plan:

• 1. Conduct a Quantum Risk Assessment
  Begin by mapping cryptographic assets and identifying systems most vulnerable to quantum attacks. Prioritize data with long-term sensitivity, such as intellectual property, healthcare records, and financial transactions. Use frameworks like IBM’s QSRI to quantify readiness gaps—the top 10% of organizations (Quantum-Safe Champions) scored 35 or above on the QSRI, with the highest score attained being 50, up from 44 in 2023 The top 10% of organizations (Quantum-Safe Champions) scored 35 or above on the QSRI, with the highest score attained being 50, up from 44 in 2023.

• 2. Prioritize High-Risk Systems
  Focus on legacy systems relying on RSA, ECC, or Diffie-Hellman, which Shor’s algorithm demonstrates will become obsolete once sufficiently powerful quantum computers emerge Shor's algorithm demonstrates that sufficiently powerful quantum computers will render many current cryptographic systems obsolete. Allocate resources to protect these assets first, using hybrid encryption models that combine classical methods with NIST’s post-quantum cryptography standards Experts recommend transitioning to a hybrid encryption model that combines classical methods with NIST's post-quantum cryptography standards.

• 3. Develop a Phased Migration Roadmap
  Align with NIST’s recommendation to phase out RSA and ECC by 2030 and discontinue them entirely by 2035 NIST recommends organizations phase out RSA and ECC by 2030 and entirely discontinue them by 2035. Create timelines that balance technical feasibility, budget constraints, and regulatory deadlines such as the UK’s National Cyber Security Centre advisory for high-risk systems to migrate to PQC by 2030 The UK's National Cyber Security Centre advises high-risk systems to migrate to PQC by 2030, with full adoption by 2035.

• 4. Implement Continuous Monitoring
  Track quantum hardware progress closely. IBM currently operates a 433-qubit Osprey chip and predicts quantum processors will scale to systems surpassing 1,000 qubits within the next few years IBM currently operates a 433-qubit Osprey chip and predicts quantum processors will scale to systems surpassing 1,000 qubits within the next few years, potentially exceeding several thousand qubits by 2035. Set thresholds for qubit counts and error rates that trigger immediate countermeasures.

What Will Cybersecurity Look Like When Quantum Computers Take Over?

The shift to quantum-safe security will redefine cybersecurity landscapes globally. State-sponsored attackers are likely to be the first movers, exploiting quantum capabilities for espionage purposes around 2035 State-sponsored attackers are likely to be the first movers, exploiting quantum capabilities for espionage purposes around 2035. This timeline underscores the need for proactive defense. Meanwhile, quantum communication technologies, which enable secure transfer of quantum information at scale, are growing rapidly and will be essential for global security strategies Quantum communication technologies, which enable secure transfer of quantum information at scale, are growing rapidly and will be essential for global security strategies.

To navigate this evolving terrain, organizations must adopt a strategic decision framework. The following flowchart guides implementation of quantum-safe controls:

flowchart TD
    A[Assess Current Cryptographic Landscape] --> B{Identify High-Risk Assets?}
    B -->|Yes| C[Deploy Hybrid Encryption Immediately]
    B -->|No| D[Establish Baseline Monitoring]
    C --> E[Integrate PQC Standards by 2030]
    D --> E
    E --> F[Implement Centralized Policy Controls]
    F --> G[Validate Compliance Quarterly]

Figure 1: Decision tree for implementing quantum-safe security controls

This flowchart emphasizes three critical imperatives: unify security tools, enforce centralized policy controls, and ensure seamless protection across hybrid environments Organizations must unify security tools, enforce centralized policy controls, and ensure seamless protection across hybrid environments to achieve mature data security posture management. As quantum threats evolve, security teams must shift from reactive to predictive postures, leveraging AI and machine learning to identify anomalies that could signal quantum-enabled attacks.

The coming decade will witness a fundamental transformation in cybersecurity. Quantum computing will compromise widely used cryptographic standards around 2035, demanding aggressive preparation from all sectors Quantum computers are projected to become sufficiently powerful to compromise widely used cryptographic standards around 2035. Those who act now will not only protect sensitive data but also position themselves as leaders in the new era of secure computing.

3 Simple Steps to Protect Your Data from Quantum Threats Today

1. Adopt the QSRI framework to benchmark and improve quantum-safe readiness—aim for scores above 35 to join the top 10% of organizations The top 10% of organizations (Quantum-Safe Champions) scored 35 or above on the QSRI, with the highest score attained being 50, up from 44 in 2023.
2. Deploy hybrid encryption now for critical systems, combining classical and post-quantum algorithms to mitigate risks from both current and future threats Experts recommend transitioning to a hybrid encryption model that combines classical methods with NIST's post-quantum cryptography standards.
3. Allocate budget for quantum communication infrastructure—these technologies will become essential for securing data transfers at scale Quantum communication technologies, which enable secure transfer of quantum information at scale, are growing rapidly and will be essential for global security strategies.
4. Establish a cross-functional quantum readiness team including IT, compliance, and risk management to ensure coordinated response to emerging threats Organizations must unify security tools, enforce centralized policy controls, and ensure seamless protection across hybrid environments to achieve mature data security posture management.

The quantum era demands proactive defense. By acting today, organizations can safeguard tomorrow’s digital ecosystems.