The risks of quantum computers for electronic identity documents and how to counter them – Identity Week
Quantum computers will be a game changer in many areas where complex calculations are required. However, they also entail a risk that should not be underestimated: current cryptography algorithms, such as those used in electronic ID documents and smart cards, might be compromised in future with quantum computers. Post-quantum cryptography is intended to mitigate this risk. But there is not much time left for the preparations.
In contrast to classical computers, quantum computers have the potential to perform complex calculations at unprecedented speeds. They use so-called qubits, which, unlike conventional bits, are not either 0 or 1, but can be in both states simultaneously. This allows quantum computers to perform several calculations parallelly, much faster, and thus solve problems that cannot be mastered with the computing power of todays systems. As a result, they enable significant advances in many fields of application, for example in searching through large databases, simulation of chemical and physical reactions, and in material design. On the other hand, they also enable the fast prime factorisation of long integers and by that they have the disruptive potential to break various encryption algorithms currently used. It is commonly assumed that quantum computer attacks on todays cryptography will become reality within the next 10 to 20 years.
This will certainly have a game-changing effect on the cryptographic security of identity documents like eID cards, especially as they often have a regular lifetime of 10 years and more. The established and widely used encryption algorithms such as RSA (Rivest Shamir Adelman) and ECC (Elliptic Curve Cryptography) deployed in those electronic ID documents and smart cards will be heavily affected by future universal quantum computers. Equally, quantum computers have the potential to disruptively threaten algorithms like ECDSA (Elliptic Curve Digital Signature Algorithm) and protocols like ECDH (Elliptic Curve Diffie-Hellman).
Post-quantum cryptography (PQC) aims to repel the cryptanalysis performed on both quantum and classical computers. PQC schemes are executed on conventional computers and security controllers and do not need a quantum computer to work. From the users perspective, they behave similarly to currently available ciphers (e.g., RSA or ECC). PQC schemes rely on new and fundamentally different mathematical foundations. This leads to new challenges when implementing PQC on small chips with limited storage space.
Standardization and adoption are needed
In 2017, the US National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) started its post-quantum crypto project and asked for submissions of post-quantum key exchange, public-key encryption, and signature schemes to a competition-like standardisation effort. NIST plans to finalise the first standards for PQC algorithms in summer 2024.
Infineon experts have been working at the forefront of PQC algorithms for years. For example, Infineon contributed to two submissions to the NIST PQC standardisation process, the stateless hash-based signature scheme SPHINCS+ and the NewHope key-exchange protocol.
Besides standardisation, the adoption of infrastructure is required. Communication protocols need to be adapted and standardized. Documents and infrastructure, including the background systems, need to be upgraded.
The transition from todays conventional algorithms to PQC will be gradual. The speed of migration depends not only on the availability of quantum computers, but also on the extent to which security is critical for the applications in question, the lifetime of devices in the field, and many other factors. How can device vendors navigate all these uncertainties?
One promising path to success lies in crypto agility: devices should be able to evolve to support different crypto algorithms. Adaptability in this dynamic space hinges on the ability to add and exchange crypto algorithms and the corresponding protocols.
Infineon is involved in publicly funded projects and actively advises customers on secure migration to quantum-safe cryptography. In 2022, together with the German Federal Printing Office (Bundesdruckerei GmbH) and the Fraunhofer Institute for Applied and Integrated Security, Infineon demonstrated a quantum computer-resistant version of the Extended Access Control (EAC) protocol for an ePassport with the objective to showcase the feasibility of a quantum-secured ePassport. At the core of the demonstrator is a security controller from Infineon, which protects the data against both conventional and quantum computer attacks.
Early preparation is key
Although the first standardised algorithms are expected in 2024, the rapid development of quantum computing signals the importance of early preparation. Knowledge and expertise will be essential to put appropriate and commercially feasible solutions in place in a timely manner. A good way to familiarise yourself with PQC is working on demonstrators and preparing a timely start with first although limited field trials. First pilot projects for national eID cards are expected to start shortly after 2025. First wide-scale rollouts of quantum-safe documents are expected to start before the end of this decade.
Governments and other ID document-issuing organisations should prepare so that they do not risk exposure to the threat of quantum computing. This starts with learning about PQC and developing strategic plans and migration strategies. They need to think about infrastructure, document upgrades, the impact of PQC on their software and hardware (key sizes, required memory) and so on. And all of this should be done as early as possible to overcome all challenges in good time, because moving to PQC affects the whole lifecycle of a document from industrialisation, personalisation and issuance to operational usage and field updates.
- Universal Quantum and TUHH Partner on Scalable Quantum Software for 100 000-Qubit Machines - The Quantum Insider - July 16th, 2025 [July 16th, 2025]
- IonQ, D-Wave, and Rigetti Face Off Ahead of Earnings Whos Nearest to Commercial Breakthrough? - TipRanks - July 16th, 2025 [July 16th, 2025]
- Granite Geek: As quantum mechanics turns 100, it is sneaking into everyday life - Monadnock Ledger-Transcript - July 16th, 2025 [July 16th, 2025]
- The rise of women in quantum science in India and the legacy of Satyendra Nath Bose - Physics World - July 16th, 2025 [July 16th, 2025]
- BDx and Anyon launch hybrid quantum AI testbed in Singapore - Light Reading - July 16th, 2025 [July 16th, 2025]
- What Is RSA Encryption, And Did China Really Break It? - SlashGear - July 14th, 2025 [July 14th, 2025]
- D-Wave Quantum (QBTS) Loses 11.8% as 2 Tech Giants Could Threaten its Competitive Edge - MSN - July 14th, 2025 [July 14th, 2025]
- Cracking the quantum code: light and glass are set to transform computing - Cyprus Mail - July 14th, 2025 [July 14th, 2025]
- Revolutionary Quantum-AI Drone Tech Transforms Military Defense and Weather Forecasting - Stock Titan - July 12th, 2025 [July 12th, 2025]
- How Post-Quantum Cryptography Affects Security and Encryption Algorithms - Cisco Blogs - July 12th, 2025 [July 12th, 2025]
- QUANTUM COMPUTING INVESTIGATION INITIATED BY FORMER LOUISIANA ATTORNEY GENERAL: Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC Investigates the Officers and Directors of... - July 12th, 2025 [July 12th, 2025]
- TRIUMF, Perimeter Institute, and D-Wave Collaborate on Quantum-AI for Particle Physics Simulation - Quantum Computing Report - July 12th, 2025 [July 12th, 2025]
- The next leap for the technology sector: quantum computing - TechRadar - July 12th, 2025 [July 12th, 2025]
- Forget ransomware - most firms think quantum computing is the biggest security risk to come - MSN - July 12th, 2025 [July 12th, 2025]
- Quantum Computers Could Break Encryption : Are We Ready for the Digital Apocalypse? - Geeky Gadgets - July 12th, 2025 [July 12th, 2025]
- Texas wants to lead in the next big thing in computing. But is it too late? - Austin American-Statesman - July 12th, 2025 [July 12th, 2025]
- Post-quantum cryptographic inventory the latest PQC buzzword and why you need to know it - Cybernews - July 12th, 2025 [July 12th, 2025]
- Billionaires Are Buying This Quantum Computing Stock Hand Over Fist (Hint: It's Not IonQ or D-Wave Quantum) - Yahoo Finance - July 10th, 2025 [July 10th, 2025]
- Is Rigetti Computing the Top Quantum Computing Stock for the Second Half of 2025? - Nasdaq - July 10th, 2025 [July 10th, 2025]
- CHAMP-ION Project: Why Europe Isnt Backing Down in the Quantum Computer Race - embedded.com - July 10th, 2025 [July 10th, 2025]
- Tiny quantum drumhead sends sound with 1-in-a-million losspoised to rewrite tech - ScienceDaily - July 10th, 2025 [July 10th, 2025]
- The Q-Day Countdown: What It Is and Why You Should Care - Security Boulevard - July 10th, 2025 [July 10th, 2025]
- Finland breaks quantum record with 1-millisecond qubit coherence - Interesting Engineering - July 10th, 2025 [July 10th, 2025]
- Quantum Breakthrough: Qubit Coherence Hits Record Millisecond Milestone - The Debrief - July 10th, 2025 [July 10th, 2025]
- Japan needs to take the quantum-technology leap - The Japan Times - July 10th, 2025 [July 10th, 2025]
- NPL quantum circuits imaging could unlock stable quantum computers - Innovation News Network - July 8th, 2025 [July 8th, 2025]
- Should You Buy Rigetti Computing Stock for Less Than $15? - The Motley Fool - July 8th, 2025 [July 8th, 2025]
- Individual defects in superconducting quantum circuits imaged for the first time - Phys.org - July 8th, 2025 [July 8th, 2025]
- What's the Story? Quantum computing meets telecom - Light Reading - July 8th, 2025 [July 8th, 2025]
- Photonic powerhouse: Light is driving the quantum revolution - Laser Focus World - July 8th, 2025 [July 8th, 2025]
- Quantum Computers Pose Long-Term Threat to Bitcoin Security - AInvest - July 8th, 2025 [July 8th, 2025]
- Quantum Computing 'Q-Day' Threatens Bitcoin (BTC) & Ethereum (ETH) as Singapore Tightens Crypto Regulations - Blockchain News - July 8th, 2025 [July 8th, 2025]
- 2 Top Quantum Computing Stocks to Buy in July - Yahoo Finance - July 6th, 2025 [July 6th, 2025]
- Cracking the quantum code: light and glass are set to transform computing - ScienceBlog.com - July 6th, 2025 [July 6th, 2025]
- Helgoland 2025: the inside story of what happened on the quantum island - Physics World - July 6th, 2025 [July 6th, 2025]
- A shortcut to quantum randomness: Hacked qubit blocks achieve the unexpected - Interesting Engineering - July 6th, 2025 [July 6th, 2025]
- Physicists use 5,564-qubit quantum computer to model the death of our universe - The Brighter Side of News - July 6th, 2025 [July 6th, 2025]
- Small, room-temperature quantum computers that use light on the horizon after breakthrough, scientists say - Live Science - July 4th, 2025 [July 4th, 2025]
- Quantum computers are surprisingly random but that's a good thing - New Scientist - July 4th, 2025 [July 4th, 2025]
- Quantum computers could bring lost Bitcoin back to life: Heres how - Cointelegraph - July 4th, 2025 [July 4th, 2025]
- The Quantum Computing Industry Is Crowded. Why D-Wave, IonQ, and Rigetti Are a Buy. - Barron's - July 4th, 2025 [July 4th, 2025]
- Quantum tech is coming and with it a risk of cyber doomsday - politico.eu - July 4th, 2025 [July 4th, 2025]
- Quantum Annealers From D-Wave Optimise Robotic Inspection Of Industrial Components. - Quantum Zeitgeist - July 4th, 2025 [July 4th, 2025]
- The Best Quantum Computing Stocks to Buy Right Now - Yahoo Finance - July 4th, 2025 [July 4th, 2025]
- QBTS: With Its Quantum Leap Priced In, Jump In On A Dip (NYSE:QBTS) - Seeking Alpha - July 4th, 2025 [July 4th, 2025]
- Buy this quantum computing stock that can rally more than 30%, Cantor says - CNBC - July 4th, 2025 [July 4th, 2025]
- A new tech race is on. Can Europe learn from the ones it lost? - politico.eu - July 4th, 2025 [July 4th, 2025]
- Rigetti Computing: Cantor's Bullish Call May Be Just the Start - MarketBeat - July 4th, 2025 [July 4th, 2025]
- The Quantum Data Center of the Future: Q&A - IoT World Today - July 4th, 2025 [July 4th, 2025]
- Quantum Computing Investments: A Once-in-a-Lifetime Opportunity? - Yahoo Finance - July 2nd, 2025 [July 2nd, 2025]
- Q&A: Companies are racing to develop the first useful quantum computerultracold neutral atoms could be the key - Phys.org - July 2nd, 2025 [July 2nd, 2025]
- Quantum Computers Just Reached the Holy Grail No Assumptions, No Limits - SciTechDaily - July 2nd, 2025 [July 2nd, 2025]
- Scientists Achieve Teleportation Between Quantum Computers for the First Time Ever - MSN - July 2nd, 2025 [July 2nd, 2025]
- The IBM Comeback Story That's Making Wall Street Pay Attention - Investopedia - July 2nd, 2025 [July 2nd, 2025]
- Scientists Achieve Teleportation Between Quantum Computers for the First Time Ever - The Daily Galaxy - July 2nd, 2025 [July 2nd, 2025]
- Measuring error rates of mid-circuit measurements - Nature - July 2nd, 2025 [July 2nd, 2025]
- IonQ Backs Texas Quantum Initiative To Boost Innovation - Quantum Zeitgeist - July 2nd, 2025 [July 2nd, 2025]
- Inside the Quantum Economy: Insights from the 2025 QED-C Report - AZoQuantum - July 2nd, 2025 [July 2nd, 2025]
- Six Ways Argonne Is Advancing Quantum Information Research - HPCwire - July 2nd, 2025 [July 2nd, 2025]
- The Best Quantum Computing Stocks to Buy Right Now - MSN - July 2nd, 2025 [July 2nd, 2025]
- Researchers Target Quantum Advantage in Binding Energy Calculations - The Quantum Insider - July 2nd, 2025 [July 2nd, 2025]
- Pure Quantum: Rigetti's Journey From YC To NASDAQ And What Could Be Next - Quantum Zeitgeist - July 2nd, 2025 [July 2nd, 2025]
- Quantum machine learning (QML) is closer than you think: Why business leaders should start paying attention now - cio.com - July 2nd, 2025 [July 2nd, 2025]
- Quantum Threat: Bitcoins Fight To Secure Our Digital Future - Forbes - July 2nd, 2025 [July 2nd, 2025]
- The road to quantum datacentres goes beyond logical qubits - Computer Weekly - July 2nd, 2025 [July 2nd, 2025]
- Potential Solution Halves Testing Cost for Quantum Chips, Boosting Commercial Viability | Newswise - Newswise - June 29th, 2025 [June 29th, 2025]
- Scientists achieve teleportation between quantum computers for the first time ever - Earth.com - June 29th, 2025 [June 29th, 2025]
- Down 48%, Should You Buy the Dip on Rigetti Computing? - Yahoo Finance - June 29th, 2025 [June 29th, 2025]
- QuEra Computing, founded by researchers at Harvard University and the Massachusetts Institute of Te.. - - June 29th, 2025 [June 29th, 2025]
- Down 30%, Should You Buy the Dip on IonQ? - MSN - June 29th, 2025 [June 29th, 2025]
- New Hybrid QuantumClassical Computing Approach Used to Study Chemical Systems - Caltech - June 28th, 2025 [June 28th, 2025]
- Quantum, Moores Law, And AIs Future - Forbes - June 28th, 2025 [June 28th, 2025]
- Canada Sets Timeline to Shield Government Systems from Quantum Threat - The Quantum Insider - June 28th, 2025 [June 28th, 2025]
- Is the UK Set for an AI-Powered Future with Quantum Boost? - AI Magazine - June 28th, 2025 [June 28th, 2025]
- 'Quantum AI' algorithms already outpace the fastest supercomputers, study says - Live Science - June 28th, 2025 [June 28th, 2025]
- IonQ vs IBM: Which Quantum Computing Stock Is the Better Buy Today? - Zacks Investment Research - June 28th, 2025 [June 28th, 2025]
- Quantum Computers Stealing Bitcoin? Stealing Ideas Is A Bigger Threat - Forbes - June 28th, 2025 [June 28th, 2025]
- IonQ And The University of Washington Simulate Process Linked To The Universes Matter-Antimatter Imbalance - The Quantum Insider - June 28th, 2025 [June 28th, 2025]
- Where Will Rigetti Computing Stock Be in 5 Years? - The Motley Fool - June 28th, 2025 [June 28th, 2025]
- Hearing Wrap Up: U.S. Must Update Technology to Prepare for the Quantum Age - United States House Committee on Oversight and Accountability - (.gov) - June 26th, 2025 [June 26th, 2025]