Why Post-Quantum Encryption Must Be the Default, Not the Option

As adversaries increasingly employ 'harvest now, decrypt later' attacks—storing encrypted data today to exploit future quantum computers—leaving post-quantum cryptography as an optional feature becomes untenable. This technical analysis explains why quantum-resistant encryption must be the built-in default of file formats from creation, not a feature users must discover and enable. For data requiring confidentiality over years or decades, the window to make post-quantum protection mandatory is now; any delay only expands the vulnerable period.