The gist: Quantum computers will render existing encryption methods obsolete, requiring enterprises to migrate to post-quantum cryptography now.
Google’s quantum computer Willow completes benchmark calculations in under five minutes, a task that would take classical supercomputers billions of years — a technological advance that threatens the cybersecurity foundations of many enterprises.
Google’s quantum chip Willow demonstrates a qualitative leap in quantum computing development: The chip performs specific benchmark calculations in under five minutes — a task that, according to current projections, would take classical supercomputers billions of years. This marks quantum computing’s transition from purely academic research to practical applications.
For CTOs and security officers, this development has immediate consequences: Today’s dominant asymmetric encryption methods (RSA, elliptic curves) are not resistant to quantum computers. Data currently protected with these methods could be decrypted in the future — particularly sensitive information such as trade secrets, financial data, or personal information. The threat scenario “Harvest Now, Decrypt Later” is very real: Attackers are already collecting encrypted data today to decrypt it later with quantum computers.
Post-quantum cryptography (PQC) addresses this risk through mathematical methods that are resistant even to quantum algorithms. International standards (NIST standardization) and regulatory requirements make migration non-optional. Austrian enterprises should now begin inventorying their cryptographic infrastructure, identifying critical systems, and developing a multi-stage transition plan — while monitoring PQC standardization processes.
Source: itwelt.at · Published June 5, 2026
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