G7 Warns: Transition to Post-Quantum Cryptography Crucial Now to Thwart Future Quantum Threats
September 3, 2026
The G7 cybersecurity working group calls for an urgent pivot to post-quantum cryptography as current progress toward quantum-enabled threats accelerates, warning of data being harvested now that could be decrypted later.
The core message is that transitioning to PQC is a necessary, collaborative effort to bolster resilience of digital infrastructure and supply chains against both classical and quantum threats.
While the timeline for cryptographic readiness is uncertain, the urgency is driven by real-world threats that could compromise authentication and supply chains once quantum-ready capabilities mature.
Executive actions and deadlines are noted, including moves to accelerate PQC adoption toward 2030, with private sector players like Google aiming for 2029.
NIST has identified three viable PQC algorithms, and New Zealand is aligning with international standards to standardize procurement of quantum-resistant systems.
EU has begun a regional push with a 2026 start and 2030 targets for high-risk systems, signaling regulatory momentum that could influence global compliance.
Progress from major hardware players and collaborations, such as NSA-DoD/Army initiatives, are accelerating the domestic quantum ecosystem and safeguarding supply chains.
Key recommendations include boosting domestic PQC expertise, funding R&D, piloting quantum-safe tech, and creating playbooks and case studies to share lessons across sectors.
Regulatory momentum is evident, with finalized NIST standards from 2024 and upcoming CNSA 2.0 deadlines; a broader readiness push targets 2030 for national security systems.
U.S. standards plans also call for phasing out older ECDSA and banning it after 2035 to accelerate adoption of standardized post-quantum cryptography.
Five priorities guide the transition: raise awareness, develop national quantum-safe strategies, fund R&D and pilots, strengthen public-private partnerships, and embed PQC into cybersecurity requirements and procurement.
This framework emphasizes a comprehensive, cross-sector shift rather than a piecemeal approach to PQC adoption.
Summary based on 14 sources
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Sources

Decrypt • Sep 4, 2026
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The Record • Sep 4, 2026
G7 urges organizations to prepare for quantum cyber threats
CyberScoop • Sep 3, 2026
The G7 tells industry to hurry up and prep for post-quantum encryption
CryptoNews • Sep 4, 2026
G7 Warns Quantum Threat Demands Action as Crypto Industry Weighs Fixes