ID Talk: Understanding the Quantum Threat with Lastwall’s Karl Holmqvist

On this week’s episode of the ID Talk podcast, hosts Tony Bitzionis and Alex Perala welcome Karl Holmqvist, the founder and CEO of Lastwall, to tackle the emerging threat of quantum hacks and what that means for securing sensitive identity data. Karl shares how Lastwall was founded with a focus on protecting critical infrastructure, government, and defense systems from cyberattacks, explaining the company’s origins in addressing the root causes of credential misuse—and this naturally leads to the evolution of Lastwall’s platform and the need to address emerging threats, which sets the stage for a deeper dive into the future of cybersecurity.

The discussion dives into the heart of the quantum computing challenge, with Karl breaking down why traditional cryptography methods, such as RSA, are at risk of becoming obsolete in the face of rapidly advancing quantum technologies. From the complexities of “cognitive biometrics” to the nuances of lattice-based cryptographic algorithms, Karl translates dense technical topics into relatable analogies, helping to clarify why organizations must begin transitioning to quantum-resilient cryptography now. He also sheds light on the global race to address these challenges, including his role advising governments like the U.S. and NATO on quantum cryptographic resilience.

This episode offers a thought-provoking exploration of a critical emerging cyberthreat. Karl outlines how organizations can prepare for a quantum-safe future, emphasizing the importance of planning and proactive implementation. The quantum threat looms on the horizon for organizations involved in securing all kinds of sensitive data, including identity information, so it’s a critical topic to address as quantum computing continues to advance.

Listen wherever you get your podcasts, or through the media player below:

–

December 2, 2024 – by the ID Tech Editorial Team