For Encrypted Data, “Q-Day” Is Coming — Here Are Seven Steps to Prepare

As quantum machines become more powerful, today’s uncrackable encryption schemes may become trivial to break. Opinions vary as to how soon that moment, so-called “Q Day,” will arrive, but the threat is real.

6 minute read October 01, 2026 at 12:15 AM

Brandon Hollinder

For Encrypted Data, “Q-Day” Is Coming — Here Are Seven Steps to Prepare

Quantum computing, though in its infancy, has the potential to erode, and perhaps even destroy, the very foundations of present-day digital security. As quantum machines become more powerful, today’s uncrackable encryption schemes may become trivial to break.

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