Threema news
In a significant move to fortify digital privacy against future technological threats, the Swiss-based secure messaging provider Threema has announced a strategic collaboration with IBM Research. The partnership aims to implement post-quantum cryptography (PQC) within Threema’s communication ecosystem, ensuring that its security standards remain resilient even in the age of quantum computing.
The Quantum Challenge: Bits vs Qubits
The essential distinction between classical and quantum computing makes this collaboration necessary. Bits, which can only exist in one of two definite states-0 or 1-are used in traditional computers. On the other hand, qubits which make use of quantum mechanical concepts like superposition and entanglement are used in quantum computers.
Quantum computers can execute certain, intricate computations far more quickly than the most potent conventional machines of today because qubits can assume several states at once. Classical encryption, the cornerstone of contemporary digital security, is directly threatened by this change in processing capacity.
The Vulnerability of Classical Encryption
Modern cryptographic standards like RSA rely on mathematical issues that are “extremely difficult” for traditional computers to solve at the moment, most notably the factorization of huge numbers, to provide security. It would take too long for traditional computers to crack these encryption under the current circumstances.
But this relationship could shift once powerful quantum computers become available. These mathematical processes could be easily solved by a quantum computer with a large enough number of stable qubits, making traditional encryption techniques susceptible.
You can also read Community research at IBM quantum developer conference 2025
Assessing the Timeline
Although grave, the threat is not yet imminent. Only a few hundred unstable qubits with large mistake rates are present in modern quantum computers. It would take a lot more dependable and stable qubits for a computer to accomplish cryptographically essential operations, like cracking RSA.
According to experts Threema mentioned, creating a quantum computer this stable would present “significant technological challenges” and probably take several more years to complete. Threema and IBM Research are taking proactive steps to create the groundwork for a quantum-secure future in spite of this lead time.
A Collaboration with “Proven Pioneers”
Threema is incorporating new encryption techniques that aren’t predicated on mathematical operations that can be computed fast to mitigate these potential threats. They have teamed up with IBM Research, one of the biggest and most powerful research organizations in the world, to do this.
IBM Research has produced many Nobel Prize and Turing Award winners. Particularly impressive are their quantum credentials:
- Hardware Innovation: The IBM Q System One, the first commercial circuit-based quantum computer appeared in 2019.
- Standardization: IBM cryptographers helped develop two of the three NIST post-quantum cryptography standards.
Through the knowledge of PQC industry pioneers, Threema hopes to “consolidate and further expand” its security standards by partnering with IBM.
You can also read Basque Quantum & IBM Partner To Advance Quantum Research
Strengthening the Threema Ecosystem
The most recent development in Threema’s dedication to “uncompromising security” and “zero-knowledge” principles is the use of post-quantum cryptography. Threema is a well-known substitute for popular messaging apps like WhatsApp and Microsoft Teams, with a long history of concentrating on high-security and professional fields.
Threema’s current presence in industries where data integrity is crucial:
- Public Authorities and Healthcare: The Bavarian State Ministry of Justice, the City of Frankfurt am Main, and other healthcare and educational organizations use this.
- Corporate Security: Assisting companies such as TK Elevator, EDEKA, and Mercedes-Benz Group AG.
- Regulation compliance: Helping firms comply with GDPR, NIS2, DORA, and CER.
Threema is becoming a leader in “out-of-band” and business-critical communication by gradually equipping its messenger with PQC.
Looking Ahead
Quantum-secure communication will be implemented gradually. Threema is reaffirming its basic values of state-of-the-art technology and legal compliance by beginning its deployment now.
The partnership between this Swiss messaging company and IBM’s international research arm provides a model for how IT businesses should handle the shift from traditional to quantum-resistant security systems as the digital landscape changes. Through the cooperation, users from private citizens to government organizations and C-level executives can interact with confidence that their data will be kept private in the future.
You can also read IBM, Inclusive Brains Use AI and Quantum for BMI Research
