Cyber Security meets Quantum Communications
Published:
On September 23, researchers, industry leaders and public sector representatives came together at VilVite in Bergen for “The Quantum Shift: Cyber Security Meets Quantum Communications.” The event explored how quantum technologies are changing the way we think about secure digital systems and communication networks.
The day also marked the academic launch of the Centre for Quantum Communication Networks and Applications (QCNA). Hosted by Simula UiB and led by Centre Director Carlos Cid, QCNA is Norway’s first research centre dedicated to quantum communications. With eight partners from academia and industry, QCNA brings together complementary expertise to advance quantum communications research and help prepare Norway’s digital infrastructure for future security challenges.
Security and Quantum Transition
As quantum technology advances, existing digital infrastructures must be updated to remain secure. This was one of the topics brought up at the alumni panel, moderated by Martha Hovd (FFI) and with participants from the Norwegian National Security Agency (NSM), Keysight, Accenture, Citadel and academia. The discussions explored what “good security” means across different sectors, how much risk is acceptable, the transition to post-quantum cryptography and the growing use of AI in cyberattacks.
European Policy and Future Quantum Networks
The event also looked beyond today’s security challenges to the development of future quantum networks and the new applications they could enable, with diverse perspectives from leading international experts. Professor Bart Preneel (KU Leuven) shared insights on European privacy policy, and Professor Katia Gallo (KTH) provided an update on the European Quantum Communication Infrastructure (EuroQCI). Additionally, Dr. Thomas Nieddu (Welinq) explored recent advances in quantum networks, and Associate professor René Bødker Christensen (Aalborg University) discussed classical-quantum wireless communication systems.
With QCNA now fully underway, Simula UiB will build on its strengths in cryptography, information theory and quantum technologies. Together with its partners, the Centre will help grow Norway’s expertise and research community in quantum communications and secure digital networks.
Centre for Quantum Communication Networks and Applications (QCNA)
- Centre Director: Carlos Cid, Professor
- Host institution: Simula UiB, Bergen
- Partners: Sintef, SimulaMet, NTNU, Classique at Aalborg University, Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology, Toshiba, Telenor
- Funded by the Research Council of Norway