Quantum Cryptography in Europe: A Ticking Time Bomb for Our Digital World?

Quantum cryptography is here to answer a problem that we might all experience very soon: advanced cyber threats. With quantum computers able to break through the cryptographic systems we currently have, it’s fundamental that we recognize the field of post-quantum cryptography for its importance, despite its innumerable advantages. 

In April of this year, the European Commission recommended that member states start developing and enforcing a coordinated approach to this issue, aiming for the EU to transition smoothly into a post-quantum cryptography future. Keeping digital infrastructures and services safe is a priority for several governments across the world. 

Post-quantum cryptography: a better future?

Quantum technologies can bring a lot of progress to societies, but we must first prepare for the misuse of these tools. Post-quantum cryptography is just one of the many solutions researchers are exploring. This field works on complex math calculations that even a quantum computer would have a hard time with, and it’s compatible with several of our already existing infrastructures. 

Both companies and governments must take swift and strategic actions against quantum threats. That’s when a coordinated approach becomes essential for the prevention of cybercrime of a bigger magnitude. Another goal is to allow systems and services to work smoothly across borders, and there are even initiatives that go beyond the European Union, like the EU-US Trade and Technology Council and Cyber Dialogue.

3 challenges in post-quantum cryptography 

Although the field is a strong solution to threats from quantum computers, there are still a few issues to be addressed. 

• Post-quantum cryptographic algorithms use up more computational resources if you compare them with classic cryptographic methods. A few aspects to highlight are the memory use, processing times, and larger key sizes. IoT devices, for example, are limited in their resources, which can make them very vulnerable. 
• There is no set standard in the field yet, experts are testing different algorithms and exploring more. When we consider this, interoperability can be complicated, and some systems might avoid adopting post-quantum cryptographic solutions. 
• These algorithms still haven’t undergone the same amount of scrutiny and testing as traditional cryptographic methods. They can quickly become obsolete with advances in quantum computing. 

Final thoughts

Although there is still a lot to research and learn in this field, it looks very promising for our safety online, especially now with quantum computers. What do you think? Will the European Union coordinate its efforts to keep our telecommunication systems safe and secure against quantum threats?

Sources:

https://arxiv.org/pdf/2401.17538

https://arxiv.org/pdf/2403.11741