Europe’s digital security relies heavily on the strength of its cryptography, which underpins everything from online chats to critical supply chain systems. However, a recent article in Politico says that with the advent of quantum computers, this digital defense is at risk of being breached.
IBM Research has been working towards developing quantum-proof cryptography. In August, the US National Institute of Standards and Technology published three standardized post-quantum encryption algorithms, two of which were led by IBM researchers. This milestone marks a significant step forward for quantum safety preparedness. As the EU harmonizes its cybersecurity standards, it must not overlook preparing for new security challenges in the quantum era.
The IBM Quantum Data Center in Europe, launched in October 2024, will help propel partners’ quantum journey and offer access to a quantum system powered by IBM’s most-performant quantum chip, IBM Quantum Heron. With European organizations already exploring quantum algorithms, governments are more equipped than ever to adopt policies that encourage rapid adoption of post-quantum cryptography, staying one step ahead of cybercriminals.
The Future of Digital Security in Europe: Preparing for the Quantum Era
The strength of Europe’s digital security lies in its robust cryptography, which underpins various critical systems, including data used for communication, commerce, and travel, as well as supply chain, commercial, and defense systems. However, with the advent of quantum computers, software development and computing paradigms are expected to undergo a significant transformation, posing major implications for digital security.
Today’s quantum computers are not yet capable of breaking traditional cryptography, but they are rapidly progressing toward “cryptographic relevance.” Meanwhile, cybercriminals may be stealing and storing data, hoping to access sensitive information later with more powerful quantum machines. This practice, known as “harvest now, decrypt later,” poses a significant threat to digital security.
Fortunately, researchers worldwide, including the IBM Research team in Zurich and trusted global partners, have been working proactively with governments and regulators to prepare quantum-proof cryptography for this moment. In August 2023, an eight-year competition held by the United States’ National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) concluded with the formal publication of three standardized post-quantum encryption algorithms. These powerful new cryptographic tools will be part of the United States’ federal government’s mandatory migration to post-quantum cryptography (PQC) by 2035.
The Role of European Researchers in Developing Post-Quantum Cryptography
IBM researchers, including many based in Europe, played a crucial role in developing two of the three PQC algorithms selected by NIST. They worked alongside academic and industry collaborators who share the conviction that collaboration and interoperability are essential for long-term security. This collaborative effort demonstrates the importance of European expertise in driving quantum safety preparedness.
In Europe, various initiatives are underway to harmonize cybersecurity standards and bring landmark measures into practice. However, it is imperative that these efforts collaborate on a shared mission to drive synergy and efficient EU-wide strategies. As the EU undergoes a holistic effort to advance its cybersecurity posture, it must not overlook the need to prepare for new security challenges in the quantum era.
The European Union’s Efforts to Bolster Cybersecurity and Quantum Safety
The EU has made significant strides in advancing its cybersecurity standards, including the formal passage of the Cyber Resilience Act and NIS 2. These measures will advance holistic efforts like Software Bill of Materials templates across the EU and place critical infrastructure at the forefront of European national agendas. Furthermore, the EU’s financial services-focused Digital Operations Resilience Act will officially come into effect in early 2025.
As Europe works to bring overlapping cybersecurity strategies together, it has the opportunity to bolster its quantum safe planning. This will enable organizations to plan for present challenges as well as the realities they will soon face in the quantum era. The EU’s efforts to harmonize its cybersecurity standards and prepare for the quantum era demonstrate its commitment to staying ahead of emerging threats.
Leveraging European Expertise to Accelerate Quantum Safety Planning
Europe is the birthplace of quantum physics, and many Europeans are shaping its future. The IBM Quantum Data Center in Europe, launched on October 1, 2024, in Ehningen, Germany, will help propel partners’ quantum journey and soon offer access to a quantum system powered by IBM’s most-performant quantum chip to date, IBM Quantum Heron.
European organizations, including over 80 in the global IBM Quantum Network, are now exploring quantum algorithms that could offer value to their industries and countries. European governments are more equipped than ever to adopt policies encouraging rapid adoption, while maintaining the spirit of collaboration, harmonization, and leadership. Advancing PQC planning is no simple feat, but the timing has never been better for dialogue, interoperability, and sharing benchmarks between trusted partners. Post-quantum cryptography is ready; bad actors aren’t waiting, and Europe shouldn’t wait either to stay one step ahead of them.
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