France's cybersecurity agency ANSSI announced this week that it will stop certifying security products that do not use quantum-safe encryption beginning in 2027. The agency cited concerns that future quantum computers could decrypt encrypted data stolen today, a threat known as 'harvest now, decrypt later' attacks. ANSSI certification is required for French government agencies and critical infrastructure operators, making the decision a de facto phase-out of older cryptographic systems as the cryptocurrency industry prepares for potential quantum threats to Bitcoin and other blockchains.
ANSSI Sets 2027 Deadline for Quantum-Safe Certification Requirements
France's cybersecurity agency ANSSI will stop certifying security products that lack quantum-resistant encryption beginning in 2027, according to a report by Reuters. The agency advised that companies should buy only quantum-safe products by 2030. ANSSI Chief of Staff Samih Souissi stated at the annual France Quantum conference that "It's not only a technical issue. It's a matter of governance, industrial planning, regulation, and sovereignty."
The certification requirement applies to French government agencies and critical infrastructure operators. Security experts warn of 'harvest now, decrypt later' attacks, in which adversaries collect encrypted data today with the expectation that future quantum computers will eventually be able to unlock it.
Industry Estimates Place Quantum Computer Arrival Between 2029 and 2030
In March, Google set a 2029 deadline to transition its systems to post-quantum cryptography. In May, quantum security firm Project Eleven estimated that a cryptographically relevant quantum computer could arrive as early as 2030, putting roughly 7 million Bitcoin at risk.
Boundless CEO Shiv Shankar stated that "The risk is going up, but this was expected. As we get closer and closer to a target date for full migration to [post-quantum cryptography], the confidence in that timeline generally goes up. There's no cause for panic. The smartest and most brilliant minds in the world are active on this problem."
Ethereum Foundation and Stellar Development Foundation Launch Quantum Security Initiatives
Earlier this year, the Ethereum Foundation formed a dedicated post-quantum security team, formally elevating quantum resistance to a top priority for the network. Last week, Coinbase's quantum advisory council urged blockchain builders to begin planning migrations to quantum-safe cryptography and determine the fate of coins that never migrate.
Last week, the Stellar Development Foundation unveiled a three-stage roadmap to migrate the XLM network to quantum-safe cryptography. The roadmap includes a protocol upgrade that would allow users to add quantum-resistant signers without changing their wallet addresses.
FAQ
What did France's ANSSI announce about quantum-safe encryption certification?
France's cybersecurity agency ANSSI announced this week that it will stop certifying security products that do not use quantum-safe encryption beginning in 2027. The agency advised that companies should buy only quantum-safe products by 2030.
When do industry estimates predict quantum computers capable of breaking encryption will arrive?
In March, Google set a 2029 deadline to transition its systems to post-quantum cryptography. In May, quantum security firm Project Eleven estimated that a cryptographically relevant quantum computer could arrive as early as 2030.
