Published on: 14/03/2024
In a groundbreaking move, an undisclosed European Union country has become the first to adopt quantum-resistant technology. Based on a press release from March 14 shared with Cointelegraph, the technology by QANplatform is aimed at safeguarding the country’s government-owned cybersecurity infrastructure from quantum computing attacks. This significant development recognizes the growing threat of quantum computing attacks and represents an important step in the countrys strategic cybersecurity planning.
The integration of the QAN stack at a national level underscores the imminent shift to quantum-resilient programming. QANplatform enables the building of applications and smart contracts resistant to quantum attacks, effectively future-proofing these digital agreements against potential breaches. As stated by Patrick Storchenegger, the CEO of QAN’s Intellectual Property Holding Company, the adoption of QAN stack will not only provide significant leverage in exploiting the quantum leap but will also bolster the country’s security operations.
Post-quantum security began to gather steam following the launch of IBM Condor, the second-largest quantum processor with 1,121 qubits, in December 2023. The European Commission, cognizant of the impending threat of quantum computers, had as early as 2018, initiated the Quantum Flagship— a 10-year research initiative furnished with a budget of at least €1 billion.
The corporate world hasnt been left behind; Apple made headlines, unveiling in February a new update aimed at shielding iMessages with post-quantum cryptography. In doing so, the tech giant became the latest in a small but growing cadre of quantum-proof messaging providers, further accentuating the urgent need for quantum-resistant encryption upgrades—an undertaking Signal had gotten underway in September 2023.
While cracking the current messaging encryption models remains an uphill task given the vast computing power and time requirements, the progressive advancement of quantum computers threatens to overturn this status quo. Johann Polecsak, the co-founder and CTO of QANplatform, stressed the imperative to constantly stay ahead of the game in the world of cybersecurity, noting, “It is only a matter of time until quantum computers can break todays security algorithms.”
For investors, this development signifies the growth potential of quantum-resistant technologies. Given the significant funding QANplatform received from MBK Holding in December 2023— a staggeringly impressive $15 million to enhance its quantum-resistant technology stack—its clear that high-level interest in this tech is mounting.
In an era where Store now, decrypt later is the norm, the adoption of QANplatform’s quantum-resistant technology by an EU country demonstrates that remaining ahead of the quantum computing curve is both a priority and a necessity. The heightened interest in quantum-resistant tech offers a myriad of opportunities for the astute investor to tap into this emergent market and ride the wave of the crypto and cybersecurity future.