Quantum Security Deadline Looms as Enterprises Lag

Federal mandate accelerates industry shift to quantum-resistant encryption, but most organizations remain unprepared

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

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A federal mandate requires all U.S. government agencies to adopt quantum-resistant encryption by January 2027, accelerating an industry already in motion. The global quantum technology market is projected to reach $7.66 billion by 2031, driven by surging demand for quantum-resilient infrastructure. However, a global poll found that while 62% of technology and cybersecurity professionals are concerned about quantum computing developments, only 5% consider it a near-term planning priority. This gap is already being exploited, with the World Economic Forum warning that "harvest now, decrypt later" campaigns have compressed migration timelines from a projected 2035 to as early as 2028.

Why it matters

The encryption deadline poses a significant challenge for organizations, as the transition to quantum-resistant security requires extensive planning and implementation. Failure to meet the mandate could result in severe consequences, including potential data breaches and loss of critical information. The story highlights the growing importance of quantum-resistant encryption and the need for enterprises to prioritize this issue to ensure their long-term security and compliance.

The details

Quantum Secure Encryption Corp. (QSE) has been actively addressing the encryption deadline, expanding its global footprint and enhancing its post-quantum security platform. The company has grown from four to thirteen operational markets worldwide and now has eleven value-added distributors across multiple regions, with two additional partnerships expected soon. QSE's Quantum Preparedness Assessment (QPA) platform has also been expanded to provide organizations with structured visibility into their cryptographic exposure, supporting long-range migration planning.

  • The federal mandate requires all U.S. government agencies to adopt quantum-resistant encryption by January 2027.
  • The global quantum technology market is projected to reach $7.66 billion by 2031, a 22.6% CAGR.

The players

Quantum Secure Encryption Corp. (QSE)

A Vancouver-based post-quantum security company that has been expanding its global footprint and enhancing its post-quantum security platform to help organizations prepare for the encryption deadline.

Rigetti Computing (RGTI)

A quantum computing company that recently reported progress in improving two-qubit gate fidelity and scaling its superconducting quantum technology.

Infleqtion (INFQ)

The first neutral-atom quantum company to go public on the New York Stock Exchange, offering a portfolio of quantum computers, optical clocks, RF receivers, and inertial sensors.

SEALSQ (LAES)

A semiconductor and post-quantum technology company that is ready to offer a quantum-resilient vertical security stack to companies developing quantum computers and quantum computing infrastructures.

International Business Machines (IBM)

A technology company that, along with a team of university researchers, created and characterized a molecule with a corkscrew-like pattern of electron travel, demonstrating the potential of quantum simulation to produce scientific insights.

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What they’re saying

“Over the past several months we have focused on building the foundations required for global adoption of post-quantum security solutions. Our expansion into additional markets, growth of our channel ecosystem, and continued development of our platform capabilities position us to support organizations as they begin preparing for the long-term transition to post-quantum cryptographic standards.”

— Ted Carefoot, CEO of Quantum Secure Encryption Corp.

“In 2025, we made great progress across fidelity, scale, and system architecture. Our focus continues to be on achieving practical quantum advantage, and over the past year we validated key elements of our strategy, including improved two-qubit gate fidelity across both monolithic and chiplet-based systems and continued momentum in scaling our superconducting quantum technology.”

— Dr. Subodh Kulkarni, CEO of Rigetti Computing

“Infleqtion was founded on a simple conviction: neutral atoms are the best path for commercializing quantum technology because they are scalable and economical. As a public company we can accelerate our technology roadmap and expand deployments in areas such as aerospace, defense and critical infrastructure, bringing practical quantum solutions to market at increasing speed and scale.”

— Matthew Kinsella, CEO of Infleqtion

“Quantum computers will redefine the limits of computing, but they will also redefine cybersecurity risks. Organizations developing quantum technologies must ensure their infrastructures are built on trusted security foundations. SEALSQ is ready to provide a complete vertical stack, from silicon Root of Trust to QBit-level protection, designed to secure the entire quantum computing ecosystem.”

— Carlos Creus Moreira, CEO of SEALSQ

“First, we designed a molecule we thought could be created, then we built it, and then we validated it and its exotic properties with a quantum computer. This is a leap towards the dream laid out by renowned physicist Richard Feynman decades ago to build a computer that can best simulate quantum physics.”

— Alessandro Curioni, IBM Fellow, Vice President, Europe and Africa, and Director of IBM Research Zurich

What’s next

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The takeaway

The encryption deadline poses a significant challenge for organizations, as the transition to quantum-resistant security requires extensive planning and implementation. Failure to meet the mandate could result in severe consequences, including potential data breaches and loss of critical information. This story highlights the growing importance of quantum-resistant encryption and the need for enterprises to prioritize this issue to ensure their long-term security and compliance.