President **Donald Trump** has issued two significant executive orders designed to propel U.S. quantum technology forward and fortify government systems against future cyber threats posed by advanced quantum computers. ### Advancing Quantum Innovation One executive order directs federal agencies to update U.S. quantum policy, ensuring it keeps pace with rapid technological advancements and increasing global competition. This initiative shifts the focus towards practical applications of quantum technologies, including computing, sensing, and networking. ### Securing Against Quantum Attacks with PQC The second order is a critical step towards accelerating the government's transition to **post-quantum cryptography (PQC)**. PQC is a new generation of encryption specifically designed to protect data from the powerful quantum computers anticipated in the future. ### A Coordinated Federal Effort The order mandates that the **Department of Commerce**, the **National Security Agency (NSA)**, and the **Department of Homeland Security (DHS)** provide federal agencies with practical guidance to expedite the adoption of quantum-resistant encryption. Agencies are also required to designate officials to oversee this transition and upgrade critical systems to PQC by 2030 or 2031, depending on the system type. By the end of 2027, the **Department of Commerce** is also tasked with launching a pilot program to assist federal agencies in preparing for this crucial transition. ### Addressing the 'Harvest Now, Decrypt Later' Threat In a statement, the White House emphasized, "By accelerating the U.S. government's PQC migration timeline, this order ensures that American cybersecurity keeps pace with emerging technology and recognizes the reality of the accelerating quantum industry." While large-scale quantum computers capable of breaking current encryption standards do not yet exist, security officials have increasingly warned about a "harvest now, decrypt later" threat. Adversaries could collect encrypted communications today and store them, awaiting future quantum systems powerful enough to unlock the data. This concern has spurred governments and technology companies globally to proactively replace vulnerable cryptographic standards years before practical quantum computers become a reality. Researchers have already developed several post-quantum algorithms intended to resist such attacks, and international migration efforts are underway. ### Industry Praises Proactive Stance Industry groups have welcomed the U.S. administration's proactive measures. **John Miller**, Executive Vice President of Policy at the **Information Technology Industry Council (ITI)**, a trade association representing major technology companies, stated, "The post-quantum cryptography executive order sets appropriately aggressive timelines for federal agencies to prepare for quantum-enabled cybersecurity risks." ### Following International Footsteps The new U.S. strategy for quantum-era cybersecurity aligns with similar efforts by key allies. Last year, **U.K.** cybersecurity authorities published guidance to help organizations transition to quantum-resistant cryptographic systems. The **U.K.** roadmap outlines a phased migration process extending from 2028 to 2035, with sectors such as banking, finance, and telecommunications expected to lead adoption.