Quantum Computer Risks Intensify: Why Crypto Must Prepare for 2026?

As the world inches closer to the era of the Quantum computer, the crypto industry is reassessing its preparedness. is quickly shifting from theory to urgency, especially as crypto soon enters the final month of 2025, and many believe it will be the biggest narrative in 2026. Early prototypes already exist, and the odds of quantum attacks seem faster than expected. Thats why blockchain networks and security-focused projects, such as QRL/USD, are becoming central to discussions about long-term survival. 

Quantum Computer: The Next Major Crypto Narrative for 2026

While early-stage devices such as NISQ systems exist today, but a fully stable, large-scale functional Quantum computer has not yet been built. Despite that, the threat it still represents is no longer distant, as multi-trillion-dollar amounts would be at stake. If it’s built early and we don’t have any defense prior, it will complicate things on an ultra-level. 

In fact, on November 25, discussions on X sparked wide attention when it was suggested that Quantum-resistant narratives may dominate 2026, with QRL already demonstrating why.

QRL crypto’s massive 980% rally in 2025, from $0.23 in Q1 to a $2.49 7-year high, shows that interest is not speculative hype alone. 

According to the QRL price chart, the token surged again on November 21 to $2.20 after a series of posts addressing Quantum threats, post-quantum wallets, and the urgent need for adoption of new cryptographic standards. 

Although it has since retraced to around $1.50, QRL price today still reflects strength, holding one of the highest yearly gains of any project ranked between 201–300 globally.

Even after retracements, QRL remains one of the strongest-performing assets of its class, signaling that Quantum threats are more than a niche topic. 

Quantum Computer Risks Extend Beyond Blockchains

The growing alarm is rooted in how easily a sufficiently advanced Quantum computer could break today’s encryption. QRL reiterated this on November 12, reminding users that Elliptic Curve Cryptography (ECC) used across most blockchains is secure only until a powerful quantum system arrives. 

At that point, “anyone with access will have the combination to the safe.” Other security-focused projects, including Quranium, are also expanding their efforts.  

“Crypto isn’t facing a distant threat – quantum computing is advancing fast enough to break today’s blockchains in real time. That’s why quantum security is no longer a niche idea; it’s becoming the foundation for protecting the money of tomorrow. The sector is growing because users, institutions, and developers all know that digital value must survive a post-quantum world. From wallets to ledgers, we’re rebuilding core infrastructure so the next decade of crypto doesn’t just scale – it stays secure.

– Quranium CEO & cofounder – Kapil Dhiman”

Institutions Are Waking Up to the Coming Quantum Computer Era

The conversation isn’t limited to crypto-native developers. In a recent podcast on youtube, Nexusdesk’s Anson Zeall explained how Quantum threats could enable attackers to mimic the Bitcoin crypto or Ethereum chain and execute a 51% attack rapidly. He warned that institutions and even governments, many of which hold BTC treasuries, must prepare for structural upgrades.

Zeall emphasized that post-quantum cryptography will move to center stage as the only viable defensive layer, pushing projects to upgrade their encryption while inspiring an entirely new category of infrastructure purpose-built for a quantum age.