Join us on Wednesday, June 10, for the lecture Numbers, Quantum Computers, and the Question of Responsibility by Guest Professor Johannes Buchmann!

The lecture traces an arc from the history of a seemingly harmless mathematical problem to highly relevant societal questions. The starting point is the factoring problem: Through early mechanical calculating aids and the first successes of electronic computers, it shows how long and persistently this problem has accompanied mathematics - and why it ultimately became a foundation of modern cryptography. These mathematical ideas are no longer abstract today. They secure the internet, our communications, and our privacy. At the same time, we are witnessing that digital platforms and social networks pose significant risks to the mental health of children and adolescents. This gives rise to a societal responsibility: age limits must be enforceable without resorting to pervasive surveillance or large-scale data collection. The lecture shows that cryptographic methods can solve precisely this problem. Finally, the perspective turns to the future; quantum computers threaten the cryptographic procedures in use today. The lecture explains which attacks are realistic, that post-quantum methods are available as alternatives - and why it is a matter of responsibility to manage this transition in good time.

About

Johannes Buchmann is a computer scientist and mathematician. He developed algorithmic algebraic number theory for cryptographic applications, and gained worldwide recognition through his research in the field of cryptography. Johannes Buchmann developed cryptographic methods, such as encryption and electronic signatures, and his work also focuses on issues of data protection and privacy. He attaches great importance to the development of crypto procedures that can also withstand attacks by quantum computers (post-quantum crypto procedures). Researchers assume that there will be quantum computers in the future that can override many of today’s cryptological security procedures (RSA, ECC). In their work, Johannes Buchmann and his team are addressing issues of long-term security – in particular the long-term storage of confidential data, and the long-term archiving of signed documents. Johannes Buchmann co-founded the Center for Advanced Security Research Darmstadt and FlexSecure GmbH in in cooperation with the company T-Systems and the German Center for Artificial Intelligence (DZKI).

About Current Trends in Computer Science

This lecture is part of the Current Trends in Computer Science Lecture Series by the TU Wien Informatics Doctoral School, where renowned Guest Professors hold public lectures every semester. If you are studying with us, the lecture series can be credited as an elective course for students of master programs of computer science: 195.072 Current Trends in Computer Science. Additionally, you can join courses held by this year’s Guest Professors of our doctoral colleges and the TU Wien Informatics Doctoral School.

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