Connected cars are transforming transportation, enabling cooperative driving, collision avoidance, and real-time updates. But as connectivity grows, so does the risk of cyber threats. With the rise of quantum computing, current encryption standards may soon become obsolete. The solution? Post-quantum cryptography (PQC): designed to withstand even the most powerful quantum attacks.
Case: Secure vehicle-to-vehicle communication with post-quantum cryptography
Cooperative driving and collision avoidance depend on secure communication between vehicles. As quantum computers become more powerful, today’s encryption methods risk being broken. Post-quantum cryptography ensures that vehicle-to-vehicle communications remain secure against future threats.
Business value
- Future-proof security: Quantum-safe encryption protects vehicles from cyber risks that could emerge in the next decade.
- Compliance with regulations: New laws are emerging to enforce higher standards in cybersecurity, and PQC helps meet them.
- Protection against malicious interference: Secure communication prevents hackers from disrupting traffic systems or sending false signals.
- Trust in cooperative systems: Drivers and passengers gain confidence that connected vehicle networks are safe and reliable.
Technology readiness
Post-quantum cryptography is further along than many other quantum technologies because it relies on software rather than new hardware. The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is finalizing PQC standards, and automotive suppliers are beginning to test how these algorithms fit into vehicle communication systems. Pilot projects are underway to integrate PQC into vehicle-to-vehicle and vehicle-to-infrastructure protocols. While full deployment will take time, the automotive sector is expected to adopt PQC within the next five to seven years to stay ahead of cybersecurity risks.
Leading players and experiments
Volkswagen and BMW are both investigating how post-quantum cryptography can be integrated into connected car systems, ensuring future-proof communication between vehicles.
PQshield, a UK-based company, develops cryptographic solutions designed to withstand quantum attacks and is already collaborating with industries where long-term data protection is essential.
Thales provides PQC technologies for critical infrastructure and is extending its expertise into automotive cybersecurity.
The European Commission funds multiple research initiatives to prepare Europe’s mobility systems for a quantum-secure future, supporting collaborations between academia, industry, and policymakers.
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