Fraunhofer Institute for Applied and Integrated Security 
Center of Excellence for Post-Quantum Cryptography
Center of Excellence for Post-Quantum Cryptography
Secure Migration to Quantum-Resistant Cryptography
Why Post-Quantum Cryptography Matters Now
In the future, quantum computers will be able to break common encryption and signature schemes such as RSA, (EC)DH, or (EC)DSA. This would mean that today’s information security would no longer be guaranteed.
Quantum computers already pose a threat to security today: in the »Store Now, Decrypt Later« scenario, attackers can already store critical encrypted communication data. Once powerful quantum computers become available in the future, there is a risk that the stored data could be read in plain text retroactively. This particularly affects information with a long confidentiality period, such as health data as well as business and state secrets.
The BSI and many other IT security authorities are therefore urging KRITIS operators, companies, and government agencies to switch to quantum-resistant methods in a timely manner.
Center of Excellence for Post-Quantum Cryptography: Quantum-Resistant Protection of IT Systems
With the Post-Quantum Cryptography Competence Center, Fraunhofer AISEC is pooling its research, development, and application expertise in the field of quantum-secure cryptography.
The goal is the secure migration of IT systems in companies and government agencies to quantum-resistant methods—and thus long-term protection against the risks posed by powerful quantum computers.
The center operates in a vendor-neutral and practical manner. It translates current research findings into concrete applications and supports organizations in migrating to quantum-resistant cryptography.
The focus is on compatibility with existing systems, crypto-agility, and individual adaptation to specific security needs.
Why collaboration is worthwhile
The Post-Quantum Cryptography Competence Center supports companies and government agencies on their path to quantum-secure IT systems and offers:
- Vendor-neutral and practical consulting
- Customized IT security analyses
- Excellent research as the foundation for high-quality technological solutions
- Implementation of PQC methods in hardware and software
- Analysis of PQC methods against physical attacks (SCA, FI)
- Support in transitioning to quantum-resistant methods
Services
Support for PQC migration
- Custom migration strategies (priorization of critical systems, hybrid approaches, roadmaps)
- Design of crypto-agile target infrastructures (cryptography becomes easily interchangeable/updatable)
- Technical support for PQC implementation in software and hardware
IT security analyses regarding the cryptography used
- Analysis and assessment of external and internal application security
- Cryptographic risk assessment
- Analysis of PQC against implementation attacks using side-channel/error attack testing, firmware analysis, and optical analysis
- Selection of suitable PQC solutions for hardware and software based on specific security and performance requirements
Knowledge Transfer
- pqdb database: Overview of PQC methods (security level, NIST standardization status, efficiency)
- Serious Game – Charlie and the Quantum Factory: A playful introduction to the quantum world
- Consulting on scientific developments, the current threat landscape, and countermeasures
Participation in publicly funded research projects
- Actively shaping the future of IT security together with strong partners from industry and research
- Contribution to excellent scientific publications and standardization processes
- Practical technology transfer: from research directly into real-world application scenarios
Training courses in the Cybersecurity Learning Lab
- Fraunhofer AISEC seminar offerings: training formats for (quantum-resistant) cryptography, cryptoagility, and PQC migration
- Always up-to-date content, presented in a pedagogically sound manner by experienced instructors in both in-person and remote settings
Community formats & networks
- International PQC community for up-to-date exchange
- Organization of the annual »PQC Update« networking event for experts from research and industry at Fraunhofer AISEC’s headquarter in Garching near Munich
Research Projects
Companies benefit in the long term from the in-depth knowledge and practical experience of our scientists. In research projects, they investigate the applicability of quantum-resistant methods and the practical feasibility of PQC migration.
The research projects are summarized on this website.
For detailed information on the individual projects and the Post-Quantum Cryptography Competence Center, please refer to our SALES DECK.
Training
Trends and Developments in Modern Cryptography
In regular seminars on post-quantum security offered by the Cybersecurity Learning Lab, participants gain in-depth knowledge of how quantum computers work and their implications for modern cryptography and IT security.
A key focus of the seminars is the practical application of post-quantum cryptography. This includes strategies for migrating existing IT infrastructures to post-quantum secure methods (PQC migration) as well as the secure use of modern cryptographic methods in various system environments.
The courses are aimed in particular at developers, administrators, and IT security managers who wish to prepare their systems early on for the challenges of the post-quantum era and gain a solid understanding of the future development of IT security.
Community
The Post-Quantum Cryptography Competence Center is connected to numerous sponsors and partners. We aim to continuously expand this network and welcome inquiries from partners who wish to collaborate with us in translating the latest scientific findings into practical applications.