The problem. Encryption keys authenticate and secure every data exchange.
- If compromised, the entire security infrastructure collapses.
- Classical cryptography offers no absolute guarantees: it relies on computational difficulty, not physical inviolability.
Quantum Computing: A Structural and Geopolitical Threat. The quantum discontinuity:
- Quantum computing represents a radical break from classical computation. Algorithms considered safe today could be decrypted almost instantly.
- Classical algorithms — RSA, ECC, Diffie–Hellman — become vulnerable to future quantum machines.
The geopolitical dimension. The threat applies not only to current communications but to all stored data:
- healthcare, finance, defense, critical infrastructure archives.
- Actors can already intercept and store encrypted data waiting to decrypt later once quantum capabilities mature, known as “harvest now, decrypt later.”
The global race. The United States, China and the United Kingdom are developing offensive and defensive quantum capabilities, turning cryptography into a tool of geopolitical power.
- The quantum race is happening now — whoever wins will shape global security standards.
- Two main technologies define today’s quantum-secure landscape: Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) and Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC).
- They are complementary, not competing.
QKD. Quantum Key Distribution – how it works:
Uses the laws of quantum mechanics to distribute symmetric encryption keys through photons.
Any interception attempt irreversibly alters the signal, triggering an automatic channel shutdown.
Why it matters. Security relies on physical laws, not on hard mathematical problems.
- The distribution channel becomes theoretically unbreakable, even by quantum computers.
- Intrusions are always detectable → higher security transparency.
- Ideal for defense, intelligence, systemic finance, critical infrastructure.
PQC. Post Quantum Cryptography – how it works:
- Develops new mathematical algorithms designed to resist attacks from quantum computers.
- Most PQC solutions run on existing hardware.
- Protects both data and communication channels from future quantum attacks.
- Can replace or complement classical algorithms (RSA, ECC, DH).
- Highly scalable: deployable with software or minimal hardware upgrades.
- PQC standardisation is a geopolitical battleground: whoever sets the standards controls the global security ecosystem.
- Countries building national cryptographic libraries and stacks gain a strategic and industrial edge.
Italy’s Challenge. Build Today to Protect Tomorrow:
- Migrating to quantum-secure architectures requires years of investment, planning and training.
Waiting means falling behind. - National capability: control over keys, infrastructure, cryptographic standards sovereignty over strategic communications.
- For Italy, quantum security is not a technical niche:
it is national defence, industrial competitiveness and strategic autonomy.
The dependency risk. Buying foreign quantum-security solutions cuts initial costs but creates a structural vulnerability:
- Updates, patches, lifecycles and security roadmaps remain in foreign hands.
- In a geopolitical crisis, such dependence can become a strategic liability.
- Digital sovereignty cannot be bought; it must be built.
Expert’s take:
“Technologies such as Quantum Key Distribution and Post-Quantum Cryptography will be essential to ensure resilience against the threats emerging in the decades ahead. Major international players – the US and China above all – are investing heavily in Quantum Security. We cannot allow ourselves to fall behind. TIM Group, through TIM Enterprise and Telsy, is doing its part with major M&A operations, research investments and specialised talent recruitment, bringing Quantum Security to companies and institutions at every level”. – Cristiano Alborè, Portfolio Development Director at Telsy.
