What "Existential" Means in the Quantum Context
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“Existential” means capable of undermining the foundational cryptographic systems that keep digital society trusted and secure.
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A large-scale quantum computer capable of breaking RSA/ECC would transform trust, communications, financial systems and national infrastructure.
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The term “Q-Day” is often used for the moment when that capability becomes feasible.
WHY IT'S NOT JUST HYPE
Q-Progress
Quantum hardware is making measurable progress (logical qubits, better error correction).
New Standards
Standards bodies (e.g., NIST) already have post-quantum algorithms published.
Governments+
Major enterprises and governments are planning transitions, signalling recognition of the threat.​​
"Wait and See"
The “wait and see” approach risks being too late — when Q-Day arrives, migrating will be costly and chaotic.
“We have entered a new era in cybersecurity … the quantum threat is now.”
Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), 2025
Risk Factors & Drivers
Data shelf-life
The longer data must remain secret, the greater the risk.
Migration complexity
Legacy systems, embedded encryption, vendor dependencies delay upgrades.
Adversary timeframe
Attackers have long horizons—they can collect now, decrypt later (HNDL).
Regulatory pressure
Compliance frameworks are being updated to reflect quantum risk.
70%
Quantum Safe Protection
~70% of billion-dollar organizations reported they’re assessing or deploying quantum-safe protections. (Capgemini Research Institute, 2025)
Quantum Threat to Classical Security
The encryption used today (like RSA and ECC) was built to protect classical systems, but it relies on mathematical problems that quantum algorithms can easily solve. These non-quantum-ready algorithms secure most of our web, email, VPN, and digital signatures, but agencies like NIST have confirmed they must be replaced.
Harvest Now Decrypt Later Attacks
The threat of quantum computers necessitates immediate action. Attackers are using "Harvest Now Decrypt Later" strategies, collecting today's encrypted data for future quantum decryption. We need Quantum-Ready Encryption now. Solutions must prioritize efficiency over complexity to avoid slow and expensive technology.
The Whisper Co's
Zero-Trust QRE Encryption
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Quantum resilient encryption that won’t be broken
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Our algorithm is everlasting and eternal for long term security
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Data is now safe from adversaries that harvest today’s data
Regulators, Governments and Industries are planning
The G7, ENISA and other bodies have published guidance and roadmaps that treat quantum readiness as a current policy priority — meaning regulatory and compliance pressure will follow.
