G7 urges immediate migration to post-quantum cryptography; Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Solana developers have tested defense solutions

Odaily Planet Daily News: The G7 cybersecurity working group stated in its latest report that quantum computing poses both a security threat and an economic threat to public and private institutions, and related organizations should immediately begin migrating to post-quantum cryptography (PQC).

The working group noted that the migration process could take several years, as attackers can already collect and store encrypted data today and decrypt it once sufficiently powerful quantum computers emerge. Quantum computing could also break digital signatures, leading to identity theft and exposing companies and their supply chains.

The report did not mention cryptocurrencies, but similar public-key cryptography is used for blockchain wallets and transaction authorization. Current quantum computers are not yet capable of breaking Bitcoin's cryptography, but developers are considering post-quantum solutions such as BIP-360.

Ethereum researchers plan to replace multiple cryptographic components used by accounts, validators, and applications. The Solana Foundation has tested post-quantum signatures on its testnet and launched an optional hash-based vault. The G7 working group also urged governments to support related research, public-private cooperation, and national PQC strategies. (Decrypt)