Google has set an ambitious timeline for migration to PQC by 2029.
It’s essentially in response to two factors, both of which are steadily sharpening the focus on quantum security, (1) the threat of Harvest Now Decrypt Later attacks, and (2) rapid advancements in quantum hardware and error correction.
Recent breakthroughs have certainly shown the quantum horizon approaching, with Google and Oratomic showing how to build better logical qubits and improve the ability to solve hard problems with greater efficiency. Meanwhile, the potential for attackers to steal data today with a view to decrypting it when the technology is viable, is still a major threat to legacy and sensitive data in motion today.
Leading by example, Google is aiming to create a sense of urgency across the tech industry. For that reason, the 2029 date (in advance of ECC/RSA expected deprecation by 2030) is a deliberately eye-opening target, for the first time in the 2020s and now countable in months instead of years. Quantum is coming, and it may be sooner than anyone thought.
Following on from PQC-supported Chrome and cloud customers, Google’s Android 17 is expected to integrate ML-DSA into digital signature protection, and in line with NIST’s already standardized algorithms. This matches their stated prioritization of migrating digital signature and authentication services.
At PQShield, we take timelines seriously. That’s why we’ve spent years building IP that’s ready for the quantum age. Whether in software, hardware or ready for silicon, we’re creating the solutions that deploy the latest defenses into the supply chain, keeping technology one step ahead of the attackers. You can find out more on our Products page.
Author: Matthew Stubbs is a content engineer and technical author, with a background in optical physics and engineering. With a range of experience in many industries and technologies, Matt writes about cybersecurity, science and cryptography updates, managing PQShield’s content and providing technical insight to the latest developments.