---
title: "Western Digital (WDC) Stock Is Up Nearly 170% This Year. Its Next AI Bet Is Quantum-Safe Storage"
type: "News"
locale: "en"
url: "https://longbridge.com/en/news/286914689.md"
description: "Western Digital Corporation (WDC) has seen its stock rise nearly 170% this year, despite a recent drop of 4.84%. The company is introducing quantum-safe storage with its new Ultrastar UltraSMR hard drives, which utilize post-quantum cryptography to secure AI data systems. These drives are currently being tested by hyperscale customers, addressing the need for long-term data protection in the cloud and AI sectors."
datetime: "2026-05-19T12:30:26.000Z"
locales:
  - [zh-CN](https://longbridge.com/zh-CN/news/286914689.md)
  - [en](https://longbridge.com/en/news/286914689.md)
  - [zh-HK](https://longbridge.com/zh-HK/news/286914689.md)
---

# Western Digital (WDC) Stock Is Up Nearly 170% This Year. Its Next AI Bet Is Quantum-Safe Storage

Western Digital Corporation (WDC) is a data storage company that sells hard drives, flash drives, and storage tools. Now, the company is adding a new layer to its AI story: quantum-safe security.

### Claim 55% Off TipRanks

New trading tool for WDC bulls

Western Digital said its new Ultrastar UltraSMR hard drives use post-quantum cryptography, a security standard designed to protect data from future quantum computers. The drives are designed for AI data systems, where large datasets may need to remain secure for many years.

The company said the new drives are already being tested by several hyperscale customers. This is important because cloud giants and large AI firms are under greater pressure to protect long-term data, not just store more of it.

Meanwhile, WDC shares dropped 4.84% on Monday, closing at $458,68. However, despite the stock dropping in pre-market as well, Western Digital's stock is up nearly 170% year-to-date.

### Related Stocks

- [WDC.US](https://longbridge.com/en/quote/WDC.US.md)
- [WDCVV.US](https://longbridge.com/en/quote/WDCVV.US.md)

## Related News & Research

- [Western Digital (NASDAQ:WDC) Trading Down 1.4%  - Should You Sell?](https://longbridge.com/en/news/286619154.md)
- [Commerzbank Aktiengesellschaft FI Buys Shares of 2,107 Western Digital Corporation $WDC](https://longbridge.com/en/news/286732795.md)
- [Ameritas Advisory Services LLC Has $505,000 Position in Western Digital Corporation $WDC](https://longbridge.com/en/news/286664595.md)
- [2 Reasons Quantum Cyber Has More Than Doubled Today](https://longbridge.com/en/news/286465368.md)
- [AG2R LA Mondiale Gestion D Actifs Purchases Shares of 14,591 Western Digital Corporation $WDC](https://longbridge.com/en/news/286053107.md)