Quantum computers running Shor's algorithm will factor RSA-2048 in hours, not millennia. This full-day workshop gives defence cryptanalysts and intelligence leaders a rigorous understanding of quantum cryptanalytic capabilities, realistic timelines based on published resource estimates, and the strategic implications for both offensive SIGINT and defensive migration.
A cryptographically relevant quantum computer (CRQC) will break RSA and elliptic curve cryptography using Shor's algorithm. The question is not whether, but when. Current estimates from Gidney and Ekera (2021) project approximately 20 million noisy qubits for RSA-2048 factoring in 8 hours. More recent work by Litinski (2023) reduces this further with improved magic state distillation techniques. For defence organisations, the implications span offensive intelligence collection and defensive infrastructure protection.
This workshop provides a mathematically grounded examination of quantum cryptanalytic algorithms, their resource requirements on real hardware architectures, and the gap between current NISQ devices and fault-tolerant machines needed for codebreaking. Participants work through quantum resource estimation tools to understand T-gate counts, logical qubit requirements, and error correction overhead. The session also examines lattice reduction attacks against PQC candidates (ML-KEM, ML-DSA) and practical side-channel vulnerabilities that exist independently of quantum threats.
Full day workshop structure with scheduled breaks. Content is configurable to your organisation's technical level and operational environment.
| # | Session | Topics |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Quantum Cryptanalysis Fundamentals How quantum algorithms threaten classical encryption |
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| 2 | Cryptanalytic Attack Surface in Defence Systems Where quantum codebreaking changes the calculus |
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| Break, after 60 min | ||
| 3 | Lattice and Code-Based Cryptanalysis Attacks against post-quantum candidates |
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| 4 | Interactive Demonstration Quantum resource estimation for cryptanalytic attacks |
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| Break, after 90 min | ||
| 5 | Defensive Implications and Migration Priorities From threat assessment to action |
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| 6 | Case Studies: Cryptanalytic Intelligence Historical and projected operational impact |
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| 7 | Q&A and Threat Assessment Planning | |
Workshops are designed and delivered by QSECDEF in collaboration with sector specialists. All facilitators have direct experience in both quantum technologies and defence systems.
Workshop design and delivery
QSECDEF brings world-leading expertise in post-quantum cryptography, quantum computing strategy, and defence-grade security assessment. Our advisory membership spans 600+ organisations and 1,200+ professionals working at the intersection of quantum technologies and critical infrastructure security.
Domain expertise and operational validation
Defence workshops are co-delivered with sector specialists who bring direct operational experience in defence organisations. This ensures workshop content is grounded in regulatory, operational, and technical realities specific to the sector.
Sessions are configured around your organisation's technical level, operational environment, and regulatory jurisdiction. Get in touch to discuss requirements and schedule a date.
Contact UsQuantum technologies are evolving quickly and new developments emerge regularly. This page was last updated on 15/03/2026. For the most current information about course content and suitability for your organisation, we recommend contacting us directly.
