• Quantum security is now an operational priority for the US federal government.
• Recent executive orders and a quantum defense strategy emphasize the need for post-quantum cryptography.
• Adversaries can capture encrypted data today and decrypt it later with quantum capabilities.

The quantum security deadline may indicate a significant shift in the US government's approach to cybersecurity, suggesting that organizations must prioritize post-quantum cryptography to protect sensitive data and critical infrastructure, which could have far-reaching implications for national defense and the digital economy.