On Thursday, August 28, 2025, the traditional XXIX LITNET Conference was held at Vytautas Mineral SPA in Birštonas, focusing on IT infrastructure, cybersecurity, and digital development.
The event aimed to bring together the academic community, IT specialists, and LITNET network representatives for dialogue, experience sharing, and discussion of the latest initiatives, while outlining future collaboration directions. The program featured presentations by university representatives and experts, discussions, and LITNET Council and Expert Committee meetings.
A key focus of the conference was quantum computing and post-quantum cryptography. Šarūnas Grigaliūnas emphasized that “quantum is not just the future—it is already reshaping our present security landscape.” It was noted that the algorithms protecting today’s internet may become vulnerable to quantum computers. “Algorithms like RSA and ECC that protect today’s internet can be broken by quantum computers. That makes post-quantum resilience a necessity, not an option,” Grigaliūnas stated.
He also highlighted the “harvest now, decrypt later” threat: sensitive data stolen today could be exposed tomorrow, making proactive action essential. According to Grigaliūnas, Lithuania is already an active part of Europe’s quantum future—from building a national post-quantum migration plan to developing cross-border links through EuroQCI and the EAGLE-1 satellite. He stressed that post-quantum cryptography and quantum key distribution “are not just research topics. They are the twin pillars on which the next generation of secure communication will stand.”
The conference underscored that quantum security is becoming a priority not only in research but also in practical policy and technology, with Lithuania actively contributing to Europe’s progress in this field.
