Long-Lived Chips Drive Race to Embed Post-Quantum Security
Quantum computers could eventually break widely used public-key cryptography, creating an unusually long planning horizon for semiconductor makers. Chips deployed in vehicles, industrial systems and other infrastructure can remain in service for 10 to 20 years, meaning hardware designed today may still be operating when quantum attacks become practical. The industry is therefore moving post-quantum cryptography, or PQC, into the design phase.
The latest push is turning PQC migration into a contest over chip architecture and power, performance and area, known as PPA. Global semiconductor groups and Taiwanese IC designers are reworking cryptographic accelerators and open-source roots of trust to handle more complex algorithms efficiently. The central challenge is to add durable quantum-resistant protection without sharply increasing silicon area, energy use or cost over products’ extended operating lives.
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The history behind this eventGovernments Accelerate Post-Quantum Cryptography Shift as Deadlines Loom
Quantum computers capable of breaking widely used RSA and elliptic-curve cryptography remain under development, but the threat has already created a “harvest now, decrypt later” risk for sensitive data. The U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology finalized its first three post-quantum cryptography standards on Aug. 13, 2024, giving governments and companies a technical foundation for replacing vulnerable algorithms across software, hardware, certificates and communications infrastructure.
A Taiwanese expert’s review of the global landscape in 2026 says governments, technology companies and semiconductor suppliers are accelerating migration plans as regulatory and procurement requirements take shape. U.S. agencies are working toward a 2035 federal transition target while inventorying cryptographic systems and incorporating quantum-resistant standards into technology refresh cycles. Organizations are being urged to build cryptographic agility now so algorithms can be replaced without disruptive redesigns across products, networks and supply chains.
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