G7 Warns Quantum Threat Demands Action as Crypto Industry Weighs Fixes
The G7 warns governments and businesses to prepare now for quantum-enabled cyberattacks because migration to post-quantum cryptography (PQC) could take years. It says advances in quantum computing may soon threaten widely used public-key cryptography, putting sensitive data, digital signatures, identities, and supply chains at risk. The group urges early, coordinated adoption of PQC across public and private sectors, noting that data stolen today could be decrypted later by a powerful quantum computer. It also recommends government support for PQC research, public-private partnerships, national strategies, and procurement rules that require quantum-safe products. The warning is relevant to cryptocurrencies because blockchain systems also rely on public-key cryptography. Bitcoin is not currently breakable by quantum computers, but proposals such as BIP-360 aim to prepare for PQC. Ethereum is exploring replacements for cryptographic components, while Solana may have a simpler path and has already tested quantum-safe signatures.
