The Netherlands leads in quantum technology but lags on quantum security
The Netherlands leads in quantum technology but lags on quantum security
Publish Date: 2026-05-11 07:18:00
Source Domain: www.computerweekly.com
The Netherlands Court of Audit recently published a blunt assessment of the Dutch central government’s readiness for quantum technology. The verdict was uncomfortable reading for a country that presents itself as a European frontrunner in the field.
While the Netherlands has built a thriving quantum research ecosystem and secured an academic leading position, the majority of government organisations have yet to take a single concrete step towards protecting their systems against the cryptographic threat that quantum computers will eventually pose.
The report, Focus on quantum technology in central government, surveyed 63 government organisations. It found that 71% had not begun preparations to defend against the quantum threat. Only four organisations (6%) had incorporated the quantum threat into their risk management frameworks. Just 15 had opened any dialogue with their suppliers about quantum-safe products. No designated executives are responsible for the issue at most institutions.
The timing matters. The Dutch intelligence service AIVD has warned that Q-Day, the point at which a sufficiently powerful quantum computer could crack current asymmetric encryption, could arrive as early as 2030. That leaves fewer than four years for organisations to complete what experts describe as a complex, organisation-wide migration.
The threat is real
To understand why the Court of Audit is concerned, it helps to understand what the Dutch government uses encryption for. The list is not short – protecting confidential information held on citizens and businesses, controlling access to vital infrastructure such as flood defences and bridges, authenticating logins via DigiD (the national digital identity system used by millions), and verifying the integrity of passports and official documents.
If quantum computers render current encryption obsolete, all of these applications are at risk. The consequences range from identity fraud and disrupted benefit payments to…
