As quantum computing technology makes significant strides, experts are increasingly concerned about the potential threat it poses to cybersecurity infrastructure. This issue took center stage during a June 26, 2025, hearing of the U.S. House Subcommittee on Cybersecurity, Information Technology, and Government Innovation. The hearing, titled “Preparing for the Quantum Age: When Cryptography Breaks,” focused on how the United States is preparing its federal systems and private-sector networks for the challenges that quantum computing will bring to cybersecurity.
The Quantum Threat: Why Action Is Urgent
Quantum computers, unlike traditional computers, process information in fundamentally different ways that could render current encryption methods obsolete. Cryptography — the backbone of internet security — relies on complex algorithms that, while strong enough for today’s supercomputers, may not hold up against the sheer power of quantum machines. This advancement in quantum technology poses a significant challenge, as it could potentially enable cybercriminals or adversarial nation-states to break through encryption and gain access to sensitive data, including financial records, government communications, and private citizen information.
At the hearing, Dr. Samantha Lee, a senior cybersecurity researcher at MIT, warned, “Quantum computing is a double-edged sword. While it promises breakthroughs in fields like drug discovery and material science, it also poses grave threats to national security, privacy, and global commerce.”
The Role of the U.S. Government and the Private Sector
During the hearing, U.S. government officials and industry leaders emphasized that addressing these vulnerabilities must be a national priority. Director of Information Technology and Cybersecurity Marisol Cruz Cain stressed that modernizing federal IT systems and encryption protocols is necessary to protect U.S. citizens and industries from cyberattacks fueled by quantum advancements.
“We need a coordinated effort across the public and private sectors to invest in quantum-safe encryption standards,” Cruz Cain stated. “Our adversaries, particularly China, are already advancing in quantum research, and we cannot afford to lag behind.”
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has already begun working with national laboratories and private companies to develop quantum-resistant encryption techniques. In addition, President Biden’s administration has earmarked $1 billion to fund the National Quantum Initiative, which focuses on developing quantum technology and protecting critical national infrastructure.
Industry and International Collaboration
The U.S. is not alone in its efforts to safeguard against quantum threats. Other leading nations, such as China and Russia, are aggressively investing in quantum research, and there is mounting concern that the first country to successfully harness quantum computing for encryption-breaking purposes will have a significant strategic advantage in global security.
Companies like IBM and Google, which are at the forefront of quantum computing research, have pledged to collaborate with governments worldwide to develop quantum-resilient cybersecurity solutions. In fact, IBM announced earlier this year that it would make its quantum computing platform available to government agencies for testing new cryptographic techniques.
In the U.S., cybersecurity experts are already working to create new encryption methods that can withstand the computational power of quantum machines. The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is spearheading an effort to standardize “post-quantum cryptography,” which aims to develop encryption algorithms that will remain secure even in a world where quantum computing is common.
Looking Ahead: The Importance of Action
The path forward will require large-scale investments in both research and infrastructure. Experts agree that the U.S. government, in partnership with the private sector, must develop quantum-resistant technologies now to ensure that the nation’s cybersecurity defenses remain intact as quantum computing continues to evolve. The time to act is now, with the window of opportunity for securing quantum-safe systems closing fast.
