IBM, a leader in quantum technology, recently announced it aims to have the first functional quantum computer by 2029, highlighting the need to protect vital data.
“The fact that we have this roadmap now and that all of the EU member states agreed on it … I think this is really a big step,” said Stephan Ehlen, a cryptography expert at the German cybersecurity agency and a co-author of the roadmap.
However, planning is only the beginning.
“This is not only about these algorithms, it’s a huge migration issue … It affects billions and billions of systems,” said KU Leuven cryptographer Bart Preneel. “It’s a very complex problem that you cannot solve in a few A4s.”
The issue is critical for national governments and their security and intelligence agencies. Several European governments have placed export restrictions on quantum technology, with the main concern being whether their communications are vulnerable and if “everything they’re doing can be exposed,” Preneel said.
Some experts have minimized the fear of a quantum apocalypse, stating that even if computers are created that break modern encryption, it would still require considerable effort and resources.
The EU has no reason not to advance, according to Manfred Lochter, another German cyber agency official. “If you don’t have access to quantum technologies, then you’re lost.”













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