On the way to the Scientific Council Open Day 2025

The quantum computing revolution is on the horizon. And one of the major impacts could be on the cryptography currently used on the Internet. So what does this quantum threat involve?

BA: Cryptography is the cornerstone of today’s digital security. It protects our private exchanges, our bank details, our emails… The threat of quantum computing specifically concerns the encryption systems currently used, such as RSA and ECC. These systems are based on mathematical problems that conventional computers have difficulty solving. But quantum computers could crack these mechanisms in record time thanks to their incredible calculation capabilities. Which presents a major challenge for data security on the Internet.

When will this threat become a reality?

BA: The problem is that we don’t know exactly when sufficiently powerful quantum computers will be operational. Some believe it could be within the next decade, while others claim it will take longer. There’s also an element of strategy to take into account: some people may choose to keep this technology a secret in order to use it to specific ends. Which is why we need to start preparing, because even though it would take a certain capacity to achieve, some of our current exchanges could be stored now and decrypted later.

That is the theme of the 2025 Afnic Scientific Council Open Day. Who else will be speaking?

BA: We’ll be discussing questions such as the impact on existing infrastructures, and most of all how we can prepare our current Internet infrastructure services and systems for this transition. The idea is also to open up debates on the future of digital security and how to prepare.

We’ll be hearing from Samih Souissi at ANSSI, Michaël Timbert at Afnic, Dirk Doesburg (PQC for the RPKI), and Nicolas Knecht at EVIDEN, among others.

How can we successfully make this transition?

BA: The key to this transition is coordination between all Internet players: from software publishers to infrastructure providers, as well as certification authorities and research and experimental laboratories. It’s not something we can pin on a single player; it requires common standards, interoperability testing and meticulous planning. The transition needs to be implemented at all levels. We know that Internet-wide technological transitions can take time. It is a collective effort. Preparation is essential. Even if quantum computers are not fully operational just yet, the decisions made today will determine the future of digital security.

Take part in the next Scientific Council Open Day