Google warns that quantum computers could dismantle current encryption by 2029, threatening the foundation of digital privacy. Since these machines solve mathematical problems differently than today’s hardware, everything from banking to private communications faces a significant future security risk.
A primary concern is the "store now, decrypt later" strategy. Attackers are currently harvesting encrypted data, betting that future quantum systems will eventually unlock it. This means information considered secure today remains highly vulnerable to being exposed in the coming years.
Though not yet fully operational at scale, the threat is no longer theoretical. Governments and tech leaders are already transitioning to post-quantum cryptography. This shift is vital, as updating global security infrastructure is a complex process that takes years to complete.
