Ayesa warns about the impact of quantum computing on digital security

Calls for a collaborative approach to build a solid, resilient cybersecurity strategy prepared for the new era of quantum computing.

Ibermática Fundazioa and the Provincial Council of Gipuzkoa host an event to address the challenges posed by this new technology.

Ayesa, through Ibermática Fundazioa, and the Provincial Council of Gipuzkoa held a session this morning in Donostia titled “From Quantum Computing to Security,” an event designed to reflect on the technological shift brought by Quantum Computing, which, although it may seem distant, is already beginning to transform the world. The discussions focused on the field of cybersecurity, as many current cryptographic techniques could become ineffective in the face of the processing power of quantum computers.

As explained by Joseba Inchaurraga, President of Ibermática Fundazioa, quantum computing represents one of the greatest scientific and technological revolutions of our time: “It will completely change the way we solve problems, analyze data, and ensure information security, but it also presents significant challenges. For decades, we have built our data and communications protection around encryption systems that we consider secure today. However, quantum computers will have the ability to break many of these barriers in the near future.”

Therefore, in the coming years, businesses, public administrations, critical infrastructures, and, ultimately, society as a whole, will need to adapt to a new security paradigm. “It’s no longer just about protecting ourselves from conventional attacks, but preparing for an era in which current encryption tools could become obsolete,” emphasized Inchaurraga.

Today, banking transactions, emails, medical records, and digital contracts are protected by encryption systems such as RSA or ECC, which would take centuries to break with current technology, but quantum computers of the future could decipher them in minutes or even seconds. This is not just a problem for the future. Malicious actors are already collecting encrypted data today, hoping that in a few years, when quantum computers are powerful enough, they will be able to decrypt it.

The Answer: Quantum-Safe Security

However, it’s not all threats. The good news is that the scientific and technological community is working to stay ahead of this challenge. New quantum security strategies, known as ‘Quantum-Safe’ or post-quantum cryptography, are already being developed to allow businesses and public entities to protect themselves in this new era.

“In this context, organizations cannot afford to wait. Preparation must begin now. And this is where events like today’s play a crucial role: they allow us to better understand the problem, learn about the solutions that are already in progress, and reflect on how we can integrate this transition into our security strategy. It is an event to prepare for the future,” explained Inchaurraga.

Throughout the event, these topics were explored in depth with the help of experts who offered various perspectives on the impact of quantum computing on our society. Discussions included new security standards, how companies can start adapting, and which sectors will be most affected by this change. It’s not just about understanding the technology, but knowing how to apply it practically in the business world, public administration, and everyday life.

In addition to the new deputy for the Department of Economic Promotion and Strategic Projects, Unai Andueza, and the Deputy Minister of Universities and Research of the Basque Government, Adolfo Morais, Jorge López from Ibermática Fundazioa spoke about the Post-Quantum Era in Security in Industrial Environments (PQC), and Alejandra Ruiz López from Tecnalia addressed the Post-Quantum Era in Communications and the New Quantum Internet (QKD).

Furthermore, a panel was held on “The New Post-Quantum Era. A New ‘Y2K Effect’ in Security Environments,” with participants from Ibermática Fundazioa, Dorlet, LKS, Multiverse, OPSCURA, and KutxaBank; and a debate panel titled “The Urgency of the Transition from a Pre-Quantum to a Post-Quantum Era. Is It Really Necessary? Are We Prepared?” with representatives from Ayesa, ZIUR, CyBasque, Cyberzaintza, and CyberTIX Simulation Technologies.