PQC Mandates Reshape Global Cybersecurity Amid AI-Quantum Clash

Mid-2026 sees post-quantum cryptography (PQC) mandates accelerating worldwide, propelled by quantum hardware advances and AI synergies that threaten legacy encryption. With NIST standards now binding and EU-China frameworks enforcing migrations, $100-500B in costs loom over vulnerable $10T daily transactions. This convergence risks systemic failures or unlocks $1.3T markets, testing digital sovereignty and regulatory alignment.