On 4 September, the University of Twente welcomed a delegation from Europol and the European Clearing Board’s Strategic Group on Quantum Technologies. This group brings together representatives of law enforcement agencies from across Europe.
The meeting focused on the impact of quantum technology on security and investigation and was organised in cooperation with the Centre for Safety and Digitalisation (CVD) and the Twente University Centre for Cybersecurity Research (TUCCR). Quantum technology offers new opportunities but also raises urgent questions about encryption and data security.
Focus on quantum and security
Around thirty participants discussed issues such as encryption, data protection and the consequences of quantum computing for law enforcement. In the morning, Pepijn Pinkse, Professor of Adaptive Quantum Technology, outlined the possibilities of quantum authentication, communication and secure quantum computing. Later in the day, Roland van Rijswijk-Deij, Professor of Network Security, addressed the transition to post-quantum cryptography and the challenges this poses for organisations seeking to future-proof their systems.
Strategic importance for Europe
According to Van Rijswijk-Deij, we are on the brink of one of the most significant digital transitions since the 1990s, when the internet became widespread. “The potential arrival of quantum computers poses a direct threat to the cryptographic techniques on which our digital security is based,” Van Rijswijk-Deij explained.
This makes collaboration with Europol all the more important. “This meeting enables us to exchange knowledge and experiences with an organisation that protects European society against large-scale organised crime. We learn how they view this transition while sharing our research insights to support their work. At the same time, their perspective helps us to refine our results. Ultimately, our goal is the same: a secure digital society for all European citizens,” he said.
The visit highlights the importance of collaboration between academia and security organisations. The shared ambition is clear: strengthening knowledge, building a resilient European network, and working towards a quantum-secure digital future.
