Quantum Computing Breakthrough: The End of Classical Encryption
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Quantum Computing Breakthrough: The End of Classical Encryption

Scientists achieve quantum supremacy milestone that could render current encryption methods obsolete within a decade.

Marcus Rodriguez

Technology Correspondent

•February 14, 2026•10 min read

In a groundbreaking development that has sent shockwaves through the cybersecurity community, researchers at the Quantum Computing Institute have demonstrated a quantum computer capable of breaking RSA-2048 encryption in under 10 hours.

This achievement, long predicted but sooner than expected, marks a critical inflection point in the race to develop quantum-resistant cryptography. Current encryption standards that protect everything from banking transactions to government communications could become vulnerable within the next decade.

The implications extend far beyond cybersecurity. Quantum computing promises to revolutionize drug discovery, climate modeling, and artificial intelligence. However, the same power that could solve humanity's greatest challenges also poses existential risks to our digital infrastructure.

Tech giants and governments are now racing to develop post-quantum cryptography standards. The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has already begun standardizing quantum-resistant algorithms, but the transition will be complex and costly.

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