On April 10, at the Q-PrEP webinar, Simona Zavackė, a doctoral student at the Institute of Computer Science of Vilnius University Faculty of Mathematics and Informatics (VU MIF II), presented a study on the transition of secure remote access (SSH) services to Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC) for long-term data protection. S. Zavackė was invited to present at the international seminar as an expert following the publication of the article in the Baltic Journal of Modern Computing[1].
Simona Zavackė
Q-PrEP – Quantum-Proofing European Public Administrations – is an EU-funded project aimed at helping the public sector prepare for the cybersecurity challenges posed by quantum computers and transition to post-quantum cryptography. The project includes specialized seminars, the preparation of analytical documents, and other measures promoting collaboration in the public sector.
Q-PrEP organizes an international webinar series dedicated to post-quantum cryptography topics, bringing together international experts and stakeholders for joint discussion and sharing of the latest practical research on PQC implementation.
The study presented at the webinar by the VU MIF doctoral student is unique in that the algorithms were tested not only in theoretical models, but also using a real OQS-OpenSSH prototype, in order to understand how PQC would perform in typical business infrastructures.
The research evaluated how different cryptographic security levels affect system performance, comparing traditional, hybrid, and quantum-resistant solutions. Data-driven recommendations were presented during the seminar to help select the most effective security parameters during the technology transition period.
S. Zavackė's dissertation, "Modeling a Digital Ecosystem Resilient to Quantum Threats" (supervised by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Agnė Brilingaitė), explores preparedness for technological changes in which today's data security principles become insufficient due to quantum computers.
The research is significant not only from a technological standpoint but also from a strategic perspective – it contributes to the public sector's readiness to transition to quantum-resistant digital solutions across Europe.
[1] Zavackė, S., Bukauskas, L. (2025). Practical Assessment of the SSH Services' Transition to Post-Quantum Cryptography. Baltic Journal of Modern Computing, Vol. 13, No. 4, pp. 862–884. https://www.bjmc.lu.lv/fileadmin/user_upload/lu_portal/projekti/bjmc/Contents/13_4_06_Zavacke.pdf