It is past time to upgrade to post-quantum encryption - The Economist

Leaders | Quantum and solaceIt is past time to upgrade to post-quantum encryptionWhen the quantum breakthrough comes, data being harvested today will be exposedSharePhotograph: Quantinuum Jul 29th 2026|3 min readIT IS not just artificial intelligence that is sparking hopes of an imminent productivity miracle. Quantum computing, another long-promised technology, is also making progress and attracting serious interest. Investment in startups in the field rose six-fold in 2025, to $13bn, according to McKinsey, a consultancy. Both startups and tech titans are racing to exploit the technology. In May the Trump administration pledged $2bn to take equity stakes in nine quantum-computing companies. Already have an account?Log in Continue with a free trial Get full access to our independent journalism for free Free trial Or create a free account to unlock just this article Create account Explore moreShareReuse this contentMore from LeadersAmerica’s startup boom offers hope for the future of workAI could make more people their own bossChina is testing America’s defence lines in AsiaThe allies must work to strengthen themselves, but also to strengthen America’s commitmentAI is getting better at writing. Humans must get better at editingOur investigation suggests howWhat the Big Mac index reveals about a global currency beefIt highlights economic problems—and helps explain how to solve themEurope’s fires are just the startThey are not a new normal.