Trump signs quantum technology orders, mandates cybersecurity overhaul by 2031 – Firstpost
 "Trump signs quantum technology orders, mandates cybersecurity overhaul by 2031 – Firstpost")
Trump signs quantum technology orders, mandates cybersecurity overhaul by 2031 – Firstpost
Publish Date: 2026-06-22 23:15:00
Source Domain: www.firstpost.com
Using an unordered list, summarize the following article with between 4 and 8 key points. The United States is stepping up its ambitions in quantum technology, with President Donald Trump signing a pair of executive orders designed to speed up the development of advanced quantum systems and strengthen the nation’s digital defences against future cyber threats.Announced during a White House ceremony on Monday, the measures seek to position the US at the forefront of a technology widely regarded as the next major frontier in computing. The orders focus on two key priorities: building practical quantum capabilities and ensuring government systems remain secure in a future where today’s encryption methods could become vulnerable.STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS ADA five-year push for quantum breakthroughsSpeaking at the event, Trump said the first order would establish a nationwide effort to create a quantum computer capable of tackling scientifically significant calculations within the next five years. The initiative also aims to advance quantum-based sensing technologies and networking systems.“We’re going to be investing in American quantum leadership like never before,” Trump said.According to Michael Kratsios, Director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, the order tasks the Department of Energy with developing a scientifically useful quantum computer that can serve as a platform for future commercial innovation. The Department of Energy and the Department of Defense will also expand research into quantum-enabled sensors and communications technologies.The administration’s latest move builds on growing federal support for the sector. Earlier this year, the Commerce Department announced roughly $2 billion in incentives for several companies developing quantum technologies, using funding made available through the Chips and Science Act.Policymakers increasingly view quantum computing as a strategic technology with the potential to transform fields ranging from materials science and pharmaceuticals to defence and advanced manufacturing.Preparing for the cryptography challengeThe second executive order focuses on cybersecurity. It directs federal agencies to transition to post-quantum cryptography by 2031, a move intended to safeguard sensitive government information from future quantum-powered attacks.Security experts have long warned that sufficiently powerful quantum computers could eventually break many of the encryption systems that currently protect financial networks, government databases and critical infrastructure.At the signing ceremony, US National Cyber Director Sean Cairncross said quantum advances would create both opportunities and risks, noting that innovation must be balanced with security considerations as the technology matures.The administration’s growing attention to quantum reflects broader concerns about global competition. While the United States remains a leader in many areas of quantum research, policymakers have increasingly expressed concern that China could gain an advantage in commercialising the technology at scale.STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS ADOfficials have compared the current stage of quantum development to the early years of the artificial intelligence boom, when breakthroughs were emerging rapidly but commercial applications remained limited.With fresh federal backing, Washington is betting that accelerated investment, stronger research programmes and updated cybersecurity standards can help ensure the US remains competitive as quantum technology moves from laboratories towards real-world deployment.
