G+D Develops Quantum-Safe Identity Cards

Giesecke+Devrient (G+D) is developing technology for a new generation of physical identity cards designed to remain secure against future quantum-computing attacks, as part of the European uPQComing research project.

The project, formally titled ‘Enhancing Cyber-Resilience for the upcoming Post-Quantum era’, brings together companies, research institutes and universities from across Europe to accelerate the migration to post-quantum cryptography (PQC) in security-critical applications. It is funded by the Chips Joint Undertaking, Germany’s Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space and the European Union.

G+D is working to add quantum-resistant cryptography to the secure chips used in modern identity cards. The project includes new cryptographic protocols and updates to existing authentication methods. It is also developing flexible systems that can switch to new algorithms as security needs change.