Technologies for the era of quantum computers

Post-quantum cryptography is relevant to almost all areas of life – from ID cards and e-mail communication to online banking, access systems and telemedicine. After all, the majority of conventional computer systems will still remain in operation when the first quantum computers have arrived in everyday life and are able to be used for potentially powerful attacks.

From the Crypto Module to the Complete System

Cryptographic processes have a long lead time. That is why researchers at Bundesdruckerei GmbH have been working on quantum-resistant encryption methods for a number of years now. In the PQCrypto project launched in 2015, several encryption modules able to demonstrate their robustness against quantum-based attacks have been developed together with renowned European universities and industrial partners.

Quantum computer-resistant cryptography for ID systems

In the PoQuID project, the innovators at Bundesdruckerei GmbH have built on the basic work of PQCrypto. It involved the testing of security methods compatible with established structures that make use of quantum-resistant cryptography. Bundesdruckerei has developed a prototype for the world’s first electronic passport that meets the increased security requirements of the quantum computing era. It reveals a solution for contactless data communication between ePassports and border control terminals, thus helping to protect the biometric data stored on ePassports. At the core of the prototype is an Infineon security controller, which protects the data against conventional attacks as well as against attacks using quantum computers. The prototype is based on a quantum-resistant version of the Extended Access Control (EAC) protocol, meaning it protects biometric data during authentication.

The project order also included participation in relevant standardisation committees such as DIN, ISO and ICAO.

From emails to digital signatures, to cryptocurrencies – modern life revolves around digital data. For several decades, private information has been protected in digital spaces by means of asymmetrical cryptographic methods. As impressive as the performance of the new quantum computers is, they also present a new type of threat for the encryption and signature methods of existing systems and the IT infrastructure behind them.

In the “Full-Lifecycle Post-Quantum PKI” (FLOQI) project, D-Trust GmbH worked together with various partners to develop a new kind of public key infrastructure (PKI) which is resistant to attacks from quantum computers. To this end, D-Trust provided a PKI mock-up that allowed the PKIs developed in the project and in sister projects of the same framework programme to be operated and certificates provided for partners.

The solutions designed this way have been implemented and tested on various platforms from the automotive industry, finance and Industry 4.0. In order to make the transition from current to post-quantum crypto methods as seamless as possible, the project is researching and testing the parallel use and agile change of current and newly developed quantum computer-resistant methods within a PKI.

In the exchange with sister projects in the same framework programme, it was possible to further develop and test concepts for combined innovative keys (ICAs) in the demonstrators together with concepts such as “Mixed PKI”. The most important discovery from the various studies is that it is absolutely essential for future PKI architectures to take agility into account for all levels.

The concepts developed are already being incorporated into standardisation work – e.g., at DIN, ISO or IETF – for future standards.

Quantum computing can open up a great many applications. There is no area that could not benefit from quantum technologies or computing – even public administration. Many problems that cannot be solved with today’s computing systems – or only to a limited extent – can be solved by utilising quantum effects. The successful use of quantum technologies, especially in socially relevant applications, requires a clear vision and a proactive approach to the results of basic research.

Quantum Technologies for the German Federal Administration

In the Qu-Gov – Quantum Technologies for the German Federal Administration – project launched in 2021, quantum technologies are being researched and tested with regard to use cases in the sovereign-regulatory environment. The project has a major research and development character. Proofs of concept and proofs of value for use cases from the sovereign-regulatory environment are being developed and evaluated on an open platform. Quantum technologies for the Federal Administration will thus be evaluated, researched and the first use cases tested by the end of 2024.

Bundesdruckerei GmbH is responsible for the overall coordination and management of the research projects required for expanding quantum technologies in the federal environment. The project is based on a broad network of partners from science, industry, start-ups and administration.

Motivated by the development progress and a growing political focus on quantum technologies, such as the EU Quantum Pact of 2023 and the German government’s Quantum Technologies Action Plan, the participants in the Federal Quantum Alliance have set themselves the task of preparing the German Federal Administration for the quantum age.

The focus here is on building up and sharing the experience of federally owned companies in quantum technologies. They form a knowledge platform on which quantum experts can exchange ideas and jointly build up the necessary expertise for the quantum age. Experience from related projects and networks, such as the PlanQK funding project or the Qu-Gov project, is incorporated as well. The partners carry out joint research projects and test quantum technologies to determine their suitability for industry in order to gain the necessary experience at an early stage for dealing with quantum solutions, such as a testbed for trying out various quantum-safe algorithms.

In this way, the Federal Quantum Alliance forms another important building block for the quantum ecosystem in Germany.

Start: 4/2/2022