Q-FENCE – Quantum-Resilient Security for Europe's Digital Infrastructure

Quantum computers are expected to fundamentally change the cybersecurity landscape. While offering new technological opportunities, they also threaten many of today's widely used cryptographic methods that protect digital communications, sensitive data and critical infrastructures. Organizations across Europe are therefore facing the challenge of transitioning towards quantum-safe security technologies.

The European Horizon Europe project Q-FENCE addresses this challenge by developing a comprehensive cybersecurity framework that combines Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC), Quantum Key Distribution (QKD), Quantum Random Number Generation (QRNG) and advanced hardware security technologies. The project aims to establish scalable and energy-efficient security architectures that enable a secure migration towards quantum-resilient digital infrastructures.

Q-FENCE develops a multi-layered security framework designed to protect communication networks and digital services against future quantum-enabled cyber threats.

The project's key objectives include:

• Development of quantum-resilient cybersecurity architectures
• Integration of PQC, QKD and QRNG technologies into unified security frameworks
• Secure migration strategies for existing communication infrastructures
• Development of hardware-accelerated cryptographic solutions
• Reduction of computational and energy overheads of advanced security mechanisms
• Validation of quantum-safe technologies in realistic operational environments
• Support of Europe's transition towards post-quantum cybersecurity

By bridging the gap between research and deployment, Q-FENCE helps prepare Europe's digital ecosystem for the post-quantum era.

Q-FENCE follows a dual-layer security concept that combines established cybersecurity mechanisms with emerging quantum technologies.

The framework integrates:

• Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC) for quantum-resistant encryption and authentication
• Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) for information-theoretically secure key exchange
• Quantum Random Number Generators (QRNGs) for high-quality entropy generation
• Hardware-based trust anchors and cryptographic acceleration
• Privacy-enhancing technologies
• Secure data processing techniques
• Energy-efficient cybersecurity architectures

The developed solutions are designed to ensure interoperability with existing communication systems while enabling a gradual transition towards quantum-safe infrastructures.

To demonstrate the practical applicability of the developed technologies, Q-FENCE evaluates its security framework in representative use cases from key sectors of the European economy.

The developed solutions are tested across different platforms and deployment scenarios, including:

• Financial services
• Healthcare systems
• Industrial and manufacturing environments
• Internet of Things (IoT) networks
• Cloud infrastructures
• Critical digital infrastructures
• Secure communication networks

In addition, various hardware platforms and reference architectures are assessed to evaluate the scalability, performance, and interoperability of the developed solutions.

The demonstrators provide valuable insights into the practical deployment and adoption of quantum-secure security solutions across Europe.

The transition to quantum-resistant security mechanisms is one of the most significant cybersecurity challenges of the coming years. Q-FENCE supports this transformation by developing interoperable security architectures, migration strategies, and practical tools for the deployment of quantum-secure technologies.

In addition, the project develops recommendations for implementing post-quantum security concepts in line with European standards and regulatory requirements. In doing so, Q-FENCE makes an important contribution to Europe’s digital sovereignty and cyber resilience.

Fraunhofer IPMS Contribution

Fraunhofer IPMS contributes its expertise in quantum communication, secure hardware platforms, and digital design to the project. A key focus is the support of the development of a hardware accelerator for post-quantum cryptography (PQC).

Within Q-FENCE, the institute supports the integration and validation of quantum technologies for future communication and security architectures. Through these activities, Fraunhofer IPMS contributes to the development of practical solutions for secure digital infrastructures and helps prepare Europe for the requirements of the post-quantum era.

Q-FENCE brings together a multidisciplinary European consortium of research institutes, universities, industry partners, and cybersecurity experts. The consortium combines expertise in quantum technologies, cryptography, secure hardware, digital infrastructures, and the implementation of advanced cybersecurity solutions.

Organisations and Partners

• South East Technological University (Coordinator, Ireland)
• Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft (Germany)
• Politecnico di Torino (Italy)
• University of Luxembourg (Luxembourg)
• University College Cork (Ireland)
• Spanish National Research Council (CSIC) (Spain)
• Toshiba Europe Ltd. (United Kingdom)
• LogiicDev GmbH (Austria)
• University of Bucharest (Romania)
• Institute of Theoretical and Applied Informatics, Polish Academy of Sciences (Poland)
• Telespazio S.p.A. (Italy)

Associated Partners

• Martel GmbH
• IoT Lab Association
• Mandat International Foundation