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The development of quantum technologies brings not only new opportunities but also fundamental challenges for current cryptography. Traditional encryption methods, which today underpin the security of most digital communication, could be broken by quantum computers in the future. Therefore, the development of post-quantum cryptography – encryption algorithms resistant to attacks from quantum computers – is one of the key priorities in cybersecurity.
The workshop included the first public demonstration of a high-speed hybrid encryptor that combines quantum and post-quantum technologies. This breakthrough device was introduced by Jan Hajný and his team from the Department of Telecommunications at FEEC BUT:
“The quantum revolution and the threats it brings are no longer a distant future – they are here and now. With our post-quantum encryptor, we show that Czech science can be at the forefront of technologies that will protect our data from the threats of the quantum era. This is the first step toward practical deployment of quantum-secure solutions in the real world.”
The encryptor represents a unique fusion of two worlds – using principles of quantum mechanics to secure key transmission and modern post-quantum algorithms resistant to attacks by future quantum computers.
This device is being developed within the framework of the NESPOQ project, which is supported by the Ministry of the Interior of the Czech Republic. The project focuses on the research and development of technologies for quantum-secure communication and represents one of the key Czech contributions to the global effort to ensure cybersecurity in the post-quantum era.Workshop Post-quantum cryptography in practice, FEEC BUT. | Author: Nikola Číková
The workshop was opened by Lukáš Malina from BUT, who introduced participants to the issue of post-quantum cryptography and outlined current trends in the field. The program continued with a diverse mix of contributions from leading experts across various sectors.
Tomáš Vávra from OpenSSL Corporation presented perspectives on implementing post-quantum algorithms into the widely used cryptographic library OpenSSL. Jakub Onderka from the National Cyber and Information Security Agency (NÚKIB) focused on regulatory aspects and recommendations for transitioning to post-quantum cryptography in the Czech environment.
Practical insights from the financial sector were brought by Jiří Pavlů from Raiffeisenbank, who outlined the challenges of migrating banking systems to quantum-resistant algorithms. Dora Floderová from S.ICZ presented the perspective of a cloud service provider on implementing post-quantum solutions.
The international perspective was contributed by Jiří Pětník from IBM and Petr Kunstat from Thales, who shared global trends and commercial solutions in post-quantum cryptography. Anežka Pejlová from Monet+ presented applications of these technologies in the field of payment systems.
High-speed hybrid encryption device introduced at FEEC BUT. | Author: Nikola ČíkováThe workshop also included an informal rump session, featuring additional prominent experts. Petr Švenda from Masaryk University presented current research projects, Jan Rada from NÚKIB focused on strategic aspects of cybersecurity, and Lubomír Wassermann from 3 Key Company discussed commercial implementations of post-quantum solutions.
The workshop was supported by the project NCC-CZ (National Coordination Centre – the Czech Republic) titled “Building Capacities and Supporting Cooperation in Post-Quantum Cryptography.” This project is part of a broader initiative aimed at strengthening Czech capacities in cybersecurity and ensuring readiness for the transition to post-quantum technologies.
The participation of representatives from academia, public administration, and the private sector confirms that post-quantum cryptography is not just a theoretical issue but a practical challenge that requires coordinated efforts from all stakeholders.
All presentations from the workshop are freely available.
This workshop confirmed the position of FEEC BUT as a major research center in quantum technologies and demonstrated that the Czech Republic is actively contributing to solving one of the most critical challenges in contemporary cybersecurity. The combination of theoretical research and practical applications, as demonstrated by the post-quantum encryptor, represents the path that modern cryptography will take in the coming years.Source: FEEC BUT