“Quantum computing has impacts and drawbacks, but also clear opportunities”
María Penilla, director of ZIUR, participates in an Ayesa event analyzing this disruptive technology and its significant implications for cybersecurity
“Quantum computing has significant impacts and significant drawbacks, but also clear opportunities.” These were the words expressed by ZIUR director María Penilla at the event “From Quantum Computing to Security,” organized by Ayesa at the San Sebastian Aquarium. This meeting served to analyze this new technology, which is transforming areas where computing power is crucial and also has enormous implications for cybersecurity. Penilla participated in a panel discussion entitled "The urgency of the transition from a pre-quantum era to the post-quantum era. Is it really necessary? Are we ready?" moderated by Álvaro Fraile de Ayesa. Also speaking were the president of CyBasque, Xabier Mitxelena; the strategic and innovation director of Cyberzaintza, Iratxe Martín; and the CEO of CyberTIX Simulation Technologies, Lorenzo Díaz de Apodaca.
The director of ZIUR emphasized the need to generate sound regulations on quantum computing, just as is being done in the cybersecurity environment. "The obligations imposed by regulations are an impetus for companies to take steps they otherwise wouldn't take," she noted. Another key point for Penilla is "finding a good travel partner" to navigate this new quantum path. "All companies have accepted that finding a cybersecurity provider is essential. We must explain to our SMEs what this new technology can mean and what they can do in this field. We must immerse ourselves in this world to bring companies closer to the opportunities that exist,” she stated.
A technology that “is here to stay”
The director of ZIUR pointed out that Gipuzkoa is a region that has been involved in science and innovation for many years and could become an international benchmark, “a hub and showcase” for quantum computing. “We must start taking steps along this path because this technology is here to stay.” "It's up to public administrations to spearhead the effort to help companies on this journey," Penilla concluded.
In line with the director of ZIUR, the recently appointed Deputy for Economic Promotion and Strategic Projects, Unai Andueza, who opened this meeting, pointed out that this area is strategic for Gipuzkoa, as is cybersecurity. "Something that seemed to be linked to the field of laboratories and research, we are seeing how it is being implemented in different sectors," he stated. Andueza mentioned the ZIUR Foundation, created in 2018 to support the region's industrial sector and thus ensure its competitiveness, and recalled the new call for grants recently launched by the department for €400,000 to help SMEs in the field of cybersecurity.