Germany Launches Quantum-Secure National ID Cards

Germany is taking a major step forward in digital security by launching a new generation of national ID cards designed to resist attacks from future quantum computers. Since their debut in 2010, the country’s ID cards have been recognized for their advanced security features, including an integrated online identification function. Now, with each card valid for a decade, the next version must be prepared to counter threats that don’t yet exist on a wide scale.

In recent months, Bundesdruckerei and G+D have established a shared technical platform to support this upgrade. Working alongside the German Federal Office for Information Security (BSI), the partners developed a demonstrator model using specialized semiconductor chips supplied by Infineon.

The migration to quantum-secure identification will be rolled out in two distinct phases. Initially, personal data will be secured against forgery using a quantum-resistant digital signature scheme. The second stage will see a complete shift to quantum-safe technology across the entire system.

This proof of concept stands as one of the first working examples globally of a national ID card integrating both classical and post-quantum cryptographic methods, in line with the most current recommendations for quantum-safe algorithms.

Dr. Kim Nguyen, SVP of Innovation at Bundesdruckerei, emphasized the importance of the breakthrough, stating, “Bundesdruckerei and G+D are the first in Germany to prove that highly secure, quantum-resistant cryptography, covering both encryption and authentication, can be embedded into ID card chips. This represents a decisive move toward safeguarding digital identities for the long term.”

Gabriel von Mitschke-Collande, a Member of the Management Board and Group CDO at G+D, highlighted the urgency of the transition. “The real question is no longer if quantum computers will emerge that can crack today’s encryption, but when that day, often called Q-Day, will come,” he explained. “Businesses are already experimenting with quantum computing in fields like materials science and drug development. We cannot afford to wait when it comes to protecting our digital backbone. Adopting quantum-resistant encryption isn’t just an option; it’s a necessity. That’s why we’re proud to have mapped out a strategy with Bundesdruckerei that balances innovation in quantum technology with robust security measures.”

Although quantum computing has made notable progress in recent years, achieving scalable, fault-tolerant systems remains a formidable challenge. Still, experts anticipate that high-performance quantum computers will eventually solve specific mathematical problems, such as computing discrete logarithms or factoring large primes, far more quickly than conventional computers.

This potential, however, introduces serious risks: such machines could dismantle widely used cryptographic systems, particularly those involving key exchange and digital signatures. The threat extends to IT infrastructure and data protection at large. That’s why sensitive personal information stored in government-issued IDs must be shielded using post-quantum cryptography. An EU roadmap has set a target for adopting PQC in critical and high-risk applications by 2030.

Claudia Plattner, President of the BSI, reinforced the timeline, noting, “Integrating post-quantum cryptography into ID card chips is absolutely essential. We must operate under the assumption that by 2030, quantum computers will have the capability to break the cryptographic algorithms we rely on today. Governments need to be prepared to issue quantum-secure identification documents by that point. Germany is proud to lead the way in securing sovereign documents for the future.”

(Source: HelpNet Security)