Post-quantum cryptography: How can SMEs get ready?
The European DIGITAL SME Alliance launched the Quantum Community for SMEs — a dedicated space for SMEs to build awareness of the quantum threat to cryptography, access practical guidance on the post-quantum cryptography (PQC) transition, and connect with peers, institutions, and solution providers. This event marked the official launch of the community.
The transition to PQC is one of the most consequential cybersecurity challenges facing European organisations in the coming decade. Quantum computers, once sufficiently powerful, will render widely used public-key cryptographic algorithms obsolete. The risk of “store now, decrypt later” attacks — where adversaries capture encrypted data today to decrypt it once quantum computers become available — means that for many organisations, including SMEs, the window to act is already open.
SMEs represent the majority of Europe’s digital economy and are directly in scope of emerging PQC requirements — yet dedicated community resources for smaller organisations remain scarce. The Quantum Community for SMEs is the Alliance’s response to that gap, and this event is where it begins.
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Agenda
| Welcome and introduction of the Quantum Community for SMEs
Why Quantum matters for SMEs: opportunities from cutting-edge technology. |
14:00 – 14:10 |
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| The EU Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC) landscape: roadmap, regulatory context, and SME implications | 14:10 – 14:40 |
The Commission’s Recommendation on PQC, the Coordinated Implementation Roadmap, and the interplay with NIS2 and the Cyber Resilience Act. What the 2026/2030/2035 milestones mean for SMEs and their supply chains.
The quantum threat landscape, ENISA’s key initiatives on SME readiness, and ongoing support activities including PQC readiness assessments. |
| Industry Insights: Secure and Sovereign Email Communication in the Age of Quantum Computers
Where the market stands, what SMEs can realistically do now, and the business case for early action. |
14:40 – 14:50 |
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| Q&A and next steps for the community | 14:50 – 15:00 |
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