Quantum security: collaborating for a safe future society
Imagine that, just a few years from now, medical records, defense data, and financial transactions could be as easy to hack as a simple password. Powerful quantum computers could make that a reality. Sharon Dolmans studies what this means for the future safety of our society.
Dolmans leads the interdisciplinary project (Fieldlab Quantum Cryptography Solutions for a Safe Society), funded by NWO and the Dutch Ministries of Defense and Economic Affairs.
In this consortium, researchers from the Department of IE&IS and the Center for Quantum Materials and Technology Eindhoven at 黑料福利网 collaborate with research institute TNO and several companies to advance knowledge on quantum technology and its impact. They also explore how quantum technology could already help keep our data safe in the future and examine the social implications that arise from this.
Harvest now, decrypt later
Quantum computers capable of cracking encrypted data in seconds may sound like science fiction, but they are a reality. Hackers are already copying sensitive encrypted data, such as government or banking information. With a regular computer, they can鈥檛 read it now鈥攂ut quantum computers will be able to do so in the future. This phenomenon is known as harvest now, decrypt later.
Dolmans believes everyone must understand what quantum security could mean for organizations, companies, and policymakers. 鈥淲e鈥檙e not only building technology; we鈥檙e also raising awareness about quantum technology and helping society prepare for it,鈥� she says.
Interception
Her primary focus is on the societal implications of ultra-secure communication, specifically through quantum key distribution (QKD). This quantum communication technology transmits encryption keys via a quantum channel, where any attempt at interception is immediately detected and thwarted.
Safe and responsible
Dolmans鈥� research doesn鈥檛 focus on quantum mechanics itself, but on how this technology can be applied safely and responsibly. The consortium investigates where QKD can already make a difference, identifies existing social needs, and explores how various stakeholders can align with these developments.
The Ministry of Defense is a key partner. For communication and sensitive information, it is essential that future quantum computers cannot break encryption. At the same time, there鈥檚 a broader societal question: how do we ensure information remains secure, without restricting access for authorized parties? 鈥淚t鈥檚 a complex field,鈥� Dolmans says, 鈥渂ut by working together now, we can make innovation and social safety go hand in hand.鈥�
Building and sharing knowledge
FIQCS organizes workshops and provides facilities where technical experts and societal stakeholders can meet and collaborate. Students conduct thesis research, interview companies, and study emerging standards. The goal is to connect technological development with social reality and foster dialogue about quantum security.
Education
Dolmans also teaches the elective Introduction to Quantum Technologies, together with Rianne Lous from the Department of Applied Physics and Science Education. In this course, students learn not only to understand the technology but also to interpret its societal impact. 鈥淚 asked my students what they found more challenging: advancing the technology or grasping and steering its social impact. The answers were split 50-50. That impact, then, is just as complex鈥攁nd just as important.鈥�