Press Releases

Quantum computers are expected in the near future to break cryptographic schemes. As a result, critical data is already at risk today if it is intercepted and later decrypted using quantum computers. At the 5th PQC Update hosted by the Fraunhofer Institute for Applied and Integrated Security AISEC, experts in post-quantum cryptography (PQC) presented the current status of international PQC migration and gave recommendations for action: companies and public authorities must now, at the latest, inventory their cryptography, set priorities and protect particularly sensitive data first, combine classical and PQC schemes, and establish crypto agility. The need for action is considerable, as PQC is also relevant to the EU’s NIS 2 directive, which will have to be implemented in Germany from the end of 2025 to enhance cybersecurity. The EU roadmap calls for PQC migration of critical infrastructures by 2030 and full implementation by 2035.

Imagine a self-organizing factory: safety zones are cleared automatically and cyberattacks remain ineffective. This may sound like science fiction, but the KIbSIS research project is making it come true. As part of an international cooperation with South Korea, partners from the areas of research and business are seeking to develop fully automated AI-based safety acknowledgment for machine tools by 2028. The approach is based on standardized, trustworthy and quantum-secure AI technology.

The Forensics of Intelligent Systems research project is dedicated to the development of inter-disciplinary approaches to ensuring forensic readiness in the event of manipulation of continuously learning AI systems. The research project is funded by Cyberagentur and realized jointly by Atos, a globally leading enterprise in the field of AI-supported digital transformation, the Fraunhofer Institute for Intelligent Analysis and Information Systems IAIS, the Fraunhofer Institute for Applied and Integrated Security AISEC, the Institut für Internet-Sicherheit (Institute for Internet Security, Westphalian University of Applied Sciences) and the University of Cologne. The project aims to sustainably strengthen cyber security and the rule of law in the digital age.

The QuBA-libre risk assessment method developed by the Fraunhofer Institute for Applied and Integrated Security AISEC in collaboration with SICK AG quickly and easily evaluates product cybersecurity. It is now available as an open source tool on GitHub. The questionnaire-based assessment enables the efficient determination of product risk status with standardized protection requirements without overloading resources. Automated risk assessment, suggestions for corrective measures, documentation and assignment to the requirements of the Cyber Resilience Act (CRA) reduce the complexity of risk assessment and handling. QuBA-libre enables the integration of protective mechanisms, both in the concept and design phase for new products and in risk assessment and upgrades of existing products. Fraunhofer AISEC thus supports product manufacturers in ensuring cybersecurity as a quality feature of their products and in implementing the cybersecurity requirements of the CRA.

Audio deepfakes pose an increasing threat to businesses and society. Fraunhofer AISEC researchers have shown: humans struggle to identify AI-generated voices, but specialised AI models excel. Findings from an experiment with around 500 participants can refine detection systems and training initiatives.

After completing his four-year term of office, Jan Wörner will hand over the office of Scientific President of acatech - National Academy of Science and Engineering to Claudia Eckert on July 1, 2025 The professor at the Technical University of Munich and Director of Fraunhofer AISEC was unanimously elected by acatech's Executive Committee. Claudia Eckert joins Co-President Thomas Weber: Together they embody the cooperation between science and industry on innovation issues. Siegfried Russwurm, member of the acatech Executive Board and former BDI President, was elected acatech Vice-President.

Easy-to-use and secure electronic identities (eID) and credentials are essential building blocks for access to digital services in areas of life such as mobility, finance, health, public administration and education. From 2027, EUDI wallets will create the basis for a trustworthy, Europe-wide interoperable ecosystem for digital identities and credentials - user-friendly on smartphones. SPRIND - Bundesagentur für Sprungin-novationen is responsible for implementation in Germany on behalf of the Federal Ministry of the Interior (BMI). Fraunhofer AISEC is a cyber-security partner. By focusing on the user experience, the project cre-ates important foundations for broad acceptance among the popula-tion and thus for fully digital and efficient processes in society, busi-ness and administration.

The EU plans to make digital encryption completely quantum-safe by 2035 at the latest. As quantum computers grow more and more power-ful, qbit by qbit, experts on post-quantum cryptography (PQC) have laid a basis for secure encryption in recent years with new algorithms. But if they are to win the race by 2035, they have their work cut out for them in terms of implementation in systems and communication protocols. That is the takeaway from the Fraunhofer Institute for Applied and Integrated Security AISEC’s 2025 PQC Update, which saw the Ger-man-speaking PQC community from government agencies, companies, universities and other research institutions gather for the fourth time on May 12 and 13, 2025, to talk about the current state of advancement in post-quantum cryptography (PQC).

After three years, the twelve project partners from industry, science, software development and infrastructure have successfully completed the ATLAS-L4 research and development project (automated transport between logistics centres on level 4 motorways): The autonomous truck in road transport became a reality thanks to the work of around 150 engineers! MAN Truck & Bus, Knorr-Bremse, LEONI, Bosch, FERNRIDE, BTC Embedded Systems, Fraunhofer AISEC, Technical University of Munich, Technical University of Braunschweig, TÜV SÜD, Autobahn GmbH and the Würzburg Institute of Transport Sciences (WIVW GmbH) have joined forces for this project.

The mechanical and plant engineering sector has shown significant progress in defending against cyber-risks. According to a current study titled Industrial Security, conducted by the German Mechanical Engineering Industry Association (VDMA) in cooperation with the Fraunhofer Institute for Applied and Integrated Security AISEC, more and more companies are investing in digital protective measures. In spite of these improvements, cyberattacks continue to cause considerable damage, with harm totaling in the nine figures. Further action is needed, especially for smaller enterprises. Social engineering and phishing represent the biggest threat to companies, followed by human error and sabotage.