Experts Discuss the Role of Post-Quantum Cryptography in Protecting Digital Systems

An expert roundtable dedicated to one of the most pressing topics in cybersecurity — the development of post-quantum cryptography — was held in Astana.

Post-quantum cryptography refers to encryption methods designed to remain secure even with the advent of quantum computers. Many current data protection systems are built on algorithms that are extremely difficult for conventional computers to break. However, quantum computers could in the future crack these far more rapidly. Post-quantum cryptography therefore represents a new level of protection designed precisely for this type of threat.

The event brought together leading scientists, representatives of the Committee on Information Security of the Ministry of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development, security experts from government agencies, and IT industry leaders. Participants discussed the resilience of national encryption standards against new types of cyber threats and the long-term protection of government information systems.

In their opening remarks, ministry representatives emphasised that the need to transition to post-quantum cryptography is driven by advances in quantum technologies. While large-scale implementation of quantum solutions is still taking shape globally, it is important for Kazakhstan to act proactively. The development of national protection algorithms is inseparably linked to the expansion of the country's computing capacity. The availability of a domestic supercomputer will not only enable highly complex calculations for testing post-quantum standards but also ensure the secure processing of large volumes of data at the state level.

The key tasks at the current stage are assessing infrastructure readiness for the transition to new algorithms and consolidating the efforts of academia, government, and business. This will help prevent the risks of "harvest now, decrypt later" attacks, where data encrypted today could be intercepted and broken at some point in the future.

Leading experts shared their perspectives during the discussion: Director of the Institute of Digital Sciences at L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University Shakhmarana Seilov and Director of the Kazakhstan-Singapore Centre for Quantum Technologies Medeu Abishev presented a scientific perspective on the issue. Industry expertise was provided by representatives of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education's Science Committee, the KNB Government Communications Service, NIT JSC, and technology partners from Palo Alto Networks, Gamma Tekhnologii, Tsifrovoy Potok-Innovatsii, and AK Kamal Security.

Experts identified the need to establish a dedicated working group to develop specific technological steps. The meeting concluded with a decision to conduct phased testing of post-quantum solutions to strengthen the country's digital sovereignty and ensure reliable protection of citizens' data.