Your Printer vs. Quantum Hackers? HP Embeds PQC Protection

Hey Quantum Enthusiast!

This weekly roundup is all about the latest buzz in Quantum Technology:

• ⚛️ Quantum Computing: From strange metals to self-analysis and industry moves.

•  📡 Quantum Communications: Europe pushes forward with EuroQCI.

• 🔒 Post-Quantum Cryptography: Practical steps towards quantum-resistant security.

If you're keen on staying ahead of the curve in the rapidly evolving quantum landscape, understanding the breakthroughs, the practical applications taking shape, and the steps being taken to secure our digital future, then here are the resources you need to dig into this week.

Weekly Resources List

1. EuroQCI Call Completion (European Commission - HaDEA) Link (Reading Time: ~2 mins) Description: Official announcement on the completion of the first funding call for the European Quantum Communication Infrastructure, detailing the 24 proposals received and the €90M budget. A key step for secure EU-wide quantum networks.
   

2. D-Wave Expands Optimisation Offerings (Quantum Computing Report) Link (Reading Time: Varies - requires site navigation) Description: D-Wave announced expanded quantum optimisation services at its Qubits 2025 conference, signalling growing commercial traction for quantum annealing in solving real-world problems.
   

3. HP Launches PQC-Protected Printers (HP Blog / Sutor Group Commentary) Link (Reading Time: ~3 mins) Description: HP unveiled printers designed with post-quantum cryptography to protect firmware integrity, a practical example of embedding quantum resistance into everyday hardware.
   

4. Quantum Information Shielding Advance (ScienceDaily) Link (Reading Time: Varies - requires site navigation) Description: Researchers reported a new method to shield delicate qubits from environmental noise, a crucial step towards building more stable and fault-tolerant quantum computers.
   

5. Wired on the "Quantum Apocalypse" (Wired) Link (Reading Time: ~5-7 mins) Description: An article exploring the potential future impact ("Q-Day") of quantum computers breaking current encryption. While highlighting the threat, it's worth reading with a critical eye regarding the hype.

Favourite Tip of the Week

Lastly here's my favourite tip about Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC) adoption this week.

It's highlighted by the HP PQC Printer Announcement Link and this completely changed how I thought about the scope of PQC implementation.

We often focus on securing data in transit or at rest, but HP's move shows PQC is becoming critical even at the device firmware level. It's a reminder that quantum resilience needs a holistic approach.

Here's a quick breakdown of why this matters:

Step 1: Acknowledge Hardware Vulnerability: Firmware, the low-level software controlling hardware, is a potential attack vector. If compromised (e.g., via a malicious update), an attacker could gain persistent control.

Step 2: Apply PQC to Firmware Signing: HP is using PQC algorithms (specifically, NIST-standardized digital signatures) to verify the authenticity and integrity of firmware updates. This prevents attackers, even those with future quantum computers, from installing malicious firmware.

Step 3: Think End-to-End: This reinforces the idea that PQC isn't just about network protocols or stored data encryption; it needs to permeate the entire technology stack, right down to the silicon and the devices we use daily.

Hope this helps broaden your perspective on the PQC challenge!

Other Industry News

Want to stay on the cutting edge?

Here's what else has been happening in Quantum you should know about:

• Fujitsu Open-Sources Quantum Toolchain: According to Quantum Computing Report, Fujitsu released its quantum operations software stack on GitHub. This is a big deal because it lowers the barrier for others to operate and manage quantum systems, potentially accelerating research and development across the board. Personally, I think this move reflects a growing trend towards collaboration and standardisation in the quantum software space, which is essential for building a mature ecosystem.
  

• ULVAC & IBM Collaborate on Cryogenics: According to Quantum Computing Report, ULVAC, with IBM's input, plans to domestically produce quantum-grade dilution refrigerators in Japan. This is a big deal because these complex cryogenic systems are absolutely essential for most leading quantum computing modalities (like superconducting qubits), and strengthening the supply chain is vital for national quantum capabilities. Personally, I think this highlights the critical importance of the supporting hardware ecosystem – it's not just about the qubits themselves.
  

• Philippines Launches First Quantum Lab: According to Quantum Computing Report, the Philippines inaugurated its QISLaP quantum computing lab, focusing initially on energy sector applications. This is a big deal because it shows the global expansion of quantum initiatives beyond the usual major players, fostering talent and exploring localized applications. Personally, I think this democratization of quantum research, even at smaller scales, will be crucial for uncovering diverse use cases and building a global quantum workforce.

That's it!

As always, thanks for reading.

Hit reply and let me know what you found most helpful this week - I'd love to hear from you!

See you next Monday. Phil.