Quantum Computing: Federal Actions Needed to Prepare for Emerging Cyber Threat [Reissued with revisions on Oct. 14, 2026]
What GAO Found Quantum computers leverage qubits (the quantum equivalent of classical computer bits) to solve specific problems significantly faster than classical computers. However, the emergence of quantum computers could undermine the cryptography (e.g., encryption) that federal agencies use to secure their systems. Today’s quantum computers cannot yet break this cryptography. But a future quantum computer of sufficient size and sophistication—referred to as a cryptographically relevant quantum computer (CRQC)—could potentially do so for certain cryptography. Most industry experts believe that a CRQC will be developed, possibly as soon as the 2030s. However, development estimates vary w.
Reported by Maria LopezQuantum Computing: Federal Actions Needed to Prepare for Emerging Cyber Threat [Reissued with revisions on Oct. 14, 2026].
The item is dated Tue, 06 Oct 2026 07:20:40 -0400.
TeamCog is carrying it as a audits report from GAO reports and testimonies RSS.
What GAO Found Quantum computers leverage qubits (the quantum equivalent of classical computer bits) to solve specific problems significantly faster than classical computers.
However, the emergence of quantum computers could undermine the cryptography (e.g., encryption) that federal agencies use to secure their systems.
Today’s quantum computers cannot yet break this cryptography.
But a future quantum computer of sufficient size and sophistication—referred to as a cryptographically relevant quantum computer (CRQC)—could potentially do so for certain cryptography.
Most industry experts believe that a CRQC will be developed, possibly as soon as the 2030s.
Official Source
GAO reports and testimonies RSS. Accessed 2026-10-14T15:00:05.199Z.