Thales Launches Europe’s First Certified Smartcard Built for the Quantum Era
- Ritambhara K
- Oct 9
- 3 min read
Thales has achieved a major milestone in digital security by launching Europe’s first certified quantum-resistant smartcard, marking a crucial step toward safeguarding sensitive identities in the coming quantum era. The certification underscores Thales’ leadership in next-generation cybersecurity and its proactive commitment to protecting data from emerging threats.
A Smartcard Built for the Quantum Future
The newly certified smartcard, MultiApp 5.2 Premium PQC, represents a leap forward in secure digital identity technology. Designed for applications such as electronic ID cards, health cards, and driving licenses, the card integrates advanced post-quantum cryptographic mechanisms within a traditional smartcard format.
What makes this breakthrough remarkable is that it’s ready for real-world deployment. Governments and institutions can now use it as a foundation for next-generation identity systems—ones capable of resisting the powerful decryption abilities of future quantum computers.
Why Quantum-Resistant Security Matters
As quantum computing advances, today’s cryptographic systems are becoming increasingly vulnerable. Quantum computers will be able to solve complex mathematical problems exponentially faster than classical machines, threatening to break the encryption that currently secures sensitive data.
According to a recent Gartner report, “by 2029, advances in quantum computing will make conventional asymmetric cryptography unsafe to use.” In anticipation of this, Thales has spent years investing in post-quantum cryptography (PQC)—developing algorithms designed to protect critical systems long before quantum computers reach maturity.
Certified at the Highest Security Level
Thales’ smartcard has received Common Criteria (EAL 6+) certification—one of the highest security ratings possible under international standards. The certification was issued by France’s National Cybersecurity Agency (ANSSI), in collaboration with CEA-Leti’s IT Security Evaluation Facility.
The card employs new digital signature algorithms standardized by the U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), ensuring its resistance even against attacks from future quantum computers. These cryptographic tools guarantee the authenticity and integrity of digital data—verifying that messages and transactions originate from the correct source and remain unaltered.
Franck Sadmi, Head of the National Certification Center at ANSSI, stated:
“This certification shows that Europe is ready to lead the way in post-quantum security. It reflects our commitment to fostering innovation while maintaining the highest cybersecurity standards.”
Seamless for Users, Revolutionary Inside
For citizens, the experience remains unchanged—they will continue to use their identity or health cards as usual. However, beneath the surface lies a new-generation cryptographic engine designed to withstand quantum-level computing power. This ensures that personal data and digital identities remain secure not just today, but for decades to come.
The smartcard’s post-quantum digital signatures are based on algorithms defined in FIPS 204, a U.S. government standard built to maintain digital trust in the quantum age. This foundation strengthens the integrity of secure transactions, digital IDs, and government services across industries including finance, defense, and technology.
A Landmark for Digital Trust
For Thales, this certification represents more than just a technical victory—it’s a symbol of future-proof digital trust. By being the first company in Europe to achieve such a high level of security for a quantum-resistant smartcard, Thales is setting a benchmark for others to follow.
Nathalie Gosset, VP of Identity & Biometric Solutions at Thales, emphasized:
“This certification is a landmark moment not only for Thales but for the entire digital security ecosystem. Future-proof cybersecurity is no longer a concept—it’s a reality. We’re proud to lead this transformation and ensure trust in tomorrow’s civil identities.”
Leading the Quantum-Safe Revolution
Thales’ innovation demonstrates how governments, institutions, and citizens can prepare for the future without waiting for the quantum threat to arrive. With its certified quantum-resistant technology, Thales is paving the way for a new era of digital resilience—where data integrity and identity protection will endure even in the age of quantum computing.
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