Training Description
Key Takeaways
- Technical workshop focused on the transition to post-quantum cryptography (PQC)
- Joint initiative of leading EU-funded projects under Horizon Europe
- Addresses quantum-era cybersecurity threats to digital infrastructures
- Brings together researchers, engineers, and industry professionals
- Explores hybrid cryptographic schemes and cryptographic agility
- Encourages multidisciplinary collaboration and standards-based solutions
The 3rd Workshop on Quantum-Secure Networks and Systems (QSNS2026) is a specialized event dedicated to advancing the transition to post-quantum cryptography in digital networks and systems. As quantum computing capabilities rapidly evolve, the need to secure current cryptographic foundations has become urgent. This workshop serves as a collaborative platform for experts and stakeholders to address these emerging cybersecurity challenges.
Workshop Overview
QSNS2026 is organized as a joint initiative by several prominent EU-funded projects, including QUBIP, PQ-React, PQ-NEXT, POSEIDON, QARC, and Q-FENCE. The event is co-located with the 31st IEEE Symposium on Computers and Communications (ISCC 2026) in Vilamoura, Algarve, Portugal. Its primary focus is on the engineering and standardization of post-quantum cryptographic solutions for protocols, networks, and systems.
The workshop emphasizes the importance of cryptographic agility and hybrid approaches that combine both post-quantum and traditional cryptography. By fostering dialogue among researchers, engineers, and industry professionals, QSNS2026 aims to accelerate the adoption of quantum-secure technologies across critical digital infrastructures.
Core Topics and Themes
Key themes include the design and analysis of post-quantum cryptographic algorithms, the evolution of network and communication protocols for quantum security, and the development of hybrid cryptographic schemes. The workshop also explores system and application support for PQC, as well as hardware and software integration challenges.
Participants will engage in discussions on cryptographic agility, hybrid Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) and PQC solutions, and the standardization efforts led by organizations such as NIST and IEEE. The event encourages multidisciplinary perspectives to ensure robust and future-proof security solutions.
Audience and Impact
QSNS2026 is designed for researchers, engineers, academics, and industry professionals specializing in cybersecurity, cryptography, and network engineering. The workshop provides a unique opportunity for knowledge exchange, networking, and collaborative research, supporting the global effort to secure digital systems against quantum-era threats.
By addressing the most pressing challenges in post-quantum cryptography, QSNS2026 contributes to the development of agile, standards-based solutions that will shape the future of secure digital infrastructures.