Vienna/Innsbruck – How can government agencies securely exchange sensitive information even in the age of powerful quantum computers? Today marks the start of a new KIRAS/K-PASS research project funded by the BMF/FFG, which is developing concrete, practical solutions based on quantum-secure methods.
The aim is to secure the exchange of information between the Vienna government network and the federal crisis computing center in St. Johann im Pongau against future attacks based on quantum technology.
Technology, practice, and governance from a single source
The interdisciplinary project combines cutting-edge technological research, application-oriented testing, and ethical and legal integration. Project partners are the AIT Austrian Institute of Technology, Quantum Technology Laboratories GmbH (qtlabs), and the University of Innsbruck (Innsbruck Quantum Ethics Lab/Institute for Theory and Future of Law). As end users, the Federal Chancellery (BKA) and the Federal Ministry of Defense (BMLV) contribute their expertise on realistic threat scenarios, administrative requirements, and specific application contexts. The Federal Ministry for Innovation, Mobility, and Infrastructure (BMIMI) supports the project with a letter of intent.
The focus is on the question of how quantum-secure key distribution can be integrated into existing government infrastructures in a (cost-)efficient, resilient, and sustainable manner. "Our focus is not only on comparing quantum-secure methods theoretically, but also on evaluating their feasibility under realistic conditions," explains project manager Dr. Christoph Striecks, Senior Scientist at the Center for Digital Safety & Security at the AIT Austrian Institute of Technology. "Through simulations and proof-of-concepts, we are creating a robust basis for decision-making for the future use of quantum-secure systems in public administration."
"Satellite-based quantum communication opens up new possibilities for bridging large distances," emphasizes Dr. Sebastian Ecker of Quantum Technology Laboratories GmbH (qtlabs). "The project allows us to translate this quantum technology developed in Austria into concrete application scenarios for government security communications."
Considering legal and ethical issues
"It is crucial to consider the ethical, legal, and social aspects of quantum technologies and quantum-secure cryptography as early as possible," says Prof. Dr. Matthias C. Kettemann, head of the Innsbruck Quantum Ethics Lab and the Institute for Theory and Future of Law at the University of Innsbruck. "Those who build tomorrow's technological infrastructure today also decide on power relations, solidarity, and intergenerational justice." Kettemann is ethics rapporteur for the UNESCO World Commission on the Ethics of Scientific Knowledge and Technology for Quantum Computing. In the project, his team is investigating in particular how quantum-secure methods can contribute to strengthening state crisis resilience and which governance models are required for this.
Sustainable quantum-secure communication
The project addresses key economic, ecological, and social sustainability goals: the protection of sensitive administrative data, the maintenance of state capacity to act in crises, the energy-efficient use of existing infrastructure, and the strengthening of digital sovereignty. Gender and diversity aspects are systematically taken into account as cross-cutting issues.
Contact AIT (Press Office, Center for Digital Safety & Security) – Michael Mürling - michael.muerling(at)ait.ac.at
Contact qtlabs - Dr. Sebastian Ecker - sebastian.ecker(at)qtlabs.at
Contact UIBK - Prof. Dr. Matthias C. Kettemann - matthias.kettemann(at)uibk.ac.at