We close the list of 2026 dangers with a look to the future. You may have heard of quantum computers – those super-computers that will revolutionise science. But did you know they will have the power to instantly crack almost any password used today?
Although a stable quantum computer is still a few years away, hackers have already started the attack. Their strategy is called Harvest Now, Decrypt Later . At Altanet Craiova we want to stay one step ahead and explain why the data you encrypt today could be exposed tomorrow.
What does "Harvest Now, Decrypt Later" mean?
Today, when you send a confidential email or make a bank transaction, the data is encrypted. A hacker who intercepts the traffic sees only a meaningless string of characters. With current technology, it would take them 1000 years to crack that encryption.
But hackers think long term:
- Step 1 (Today): Hackers steal companies' or governments' encrypted databases and store them on cheap servers. They can't read them, but they keep them religiously.
- Step 2 (In the future): When quantum computers become accessible (estimated 2029-2030), they will use that enormous computing power to instantly crack the old encryption.
- The result: Secrets stolen in 2026 will become visible.
Who needs to worry?
If your data expires quickly (for example, a price offer valid for 3 days), you have nothing to fear. But if you manage information that must remain secret for 10-20 years, you have a problem:
- Medical records: A person's medical history is sensitive for life.
- Banking data and personal ID numbers (CNP): A person's identity does not change.
- Industrial secrets: A product recipe or a building's plans remain valuable for decades.
How do we prepare for the quantum era?
The tech world is not standing idle. Work is already under way on Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC) – new mathematical algorithms that cannot be cracked even by quantum computers.
- Don't use outdated encryption: Obsolete algorithms (such as MD5 or SHA1) are already vulnerable. Make sure your systems use modern standards (AES-256).
- Crypto-Agility: Build your applications so that you can easily change the encryption method when the new standards are approved, without rewriting all the software.
To better understand the race against the clock behind this technology, you can read the explanations from IBM on Quantum Cryptography.
Conclusion
Cybersecurity is not a destination but a continuous journey. From mundane fake phone calls (Vishing) to the quantum threats of the future, the only constant is change.
The Altanet Craiova team is here to help you navigate these challenges. Whether you need your laptop secured or an audit for your entire company, visit our contact page and let's build a secure digital future together.
This material is part of the Altanet educational series on digital safety. Want to know what other risks you are exposed to this year? See The complete list of cyber threats in 2026.