A practical implementation of a quantum-safe PKI in a payment systems environment

29 September 2025

Banca d'Italia today publishes 'A practical implementation of a quantum-safe PKI in a payment systems environment'.

The security of the digital certification services provided by Public Key Infrastructures (PKIs) is essential to ensure the proper functioning of payment systems and financial market infrastructures.

This work aims to identify the main challenges and critical issues involved in the transition towards a quantum-resistant PKI architecture, capable of withstanding attacks carried out by quantum computers with sufficient computational capabilities to break into the classical cryptographic schemes currently used. To this end, a Proof of Concept (PoC) is presented, based on quantum-safe cryptographic algorithms designed to ensure the long-term security and resilience of payment systems in a post-quantum era.

The results of the PoC indicate that, although the performance of the new algorithms proved satisfactory and may facilitate the transition process, current PKI software solutions have not yet achieved full compatibility with the quantum-safe algorithms available on the market. Further efforts are therefore required to adapt existing solutions to the emerging standards, in order to promote the widespread adoption of robust cryptographic algorithms.