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    Cybercrime
    Cybercriminaliteit is een verzamelterm voor misdaden die gepleegd worden met een ICT-middel, zoals een computer. Uitingsvormen van cybercriminaliteit zijn onder andere: de inzet van malware, identiteitsfraude, doxing en QR-code fraude.

    Quantum technology: exploring, experimenting and integrating

    Quantum technology may seem like future music, but it is closer than ever. From lightning-fast computation to unbreakable communications, this revolutionary technology offers unprecedented opportunities and fundamental challenges. What does it mean for government and society? And how can we harness quantum technology for social issues?

    Digital Government February 28, 2025

    News press release

    News press release
     
    On Tuesday afternoon, Feb. 11, some 50 administrators, policymakers and IT professionals dove into this fascinating world. The location: the atmospheric Hague café Rootz, where the smell of fresh coffee and lively conversations filled the room.

    Quantum technology: risks and opportunities for government

    On behalf of the Ministry of the Interior and Kingdom Relations (BZK), Floor Kloosterman, department head of I-system and Professionalism at CIO Rijk, opened the afternoon. "In our CIO cafes, we often discuss the risks of digital transformation, such as information security. But today we are focusing on the opportunities of quantum technology. 2025 has been declared the year of quantum technology by the United Nations. It's a good time to explore what this technology can do."

    "Don't you understand right away? Don't worry, you're in good company!"

    Quantum technology is not a simple matter. This is emphasized by Frank Phillipson, senior scientist at TNO and professor at Maastricht University. "Even famous quantum physicists, such as Albert Einstein and Stephen Hawking, struggled with its fundamentals. So don't panic if it doesn't land right away!"

    Quantum technology: 3 basic principles

    Quantum technology is based on 3 fundamental principles from quantum mechanics: 1. Superposition. This means that quantum particles can be in multiple states at the same time. 2. Measurement. This is the process of capturing a quantum state and turning it into a specific state. 3. Entanglement. 2 or more quantum particles can be interconnected such that a measurement of one particle directly determines the state of the other. Regardless of the distance between these particles.

    From theory to practice: how quantum is changing our world

    Phillipson took attendees through the 3 main applications of quantum technology with a light-hearted and accessible explanation. "The 1st application is quantum sensing. This is a technology for making extremely precise measurements and detecting very small changes. The 2nd application is quantum communication. This allows you to transmit encrypted information with unprecedented security and efficiency. The 3rd application is quantum computing: a technique to perform complex calculations that classical computers cannot perform. This is to efficiently process data sets and discover complicated relationships between data. Thanks to quantum computing, computing power increases and we can solve complicated problems or develop new substances, drugs and other chemicals faster."

    "We can detect diseases earlier and diagnose them more accurately."

    "Quantum sensing has long since ceased to be a thing of the future," Phillipson continued. "With quantum technology in MRI scans, we can diagnose diseases earlier and more accurately. Quantum technology can also enable navigation without GPS, for example under water or in tunnels." At the same time, Phillipson warns of the downside: "Quantum computers can crack encryption and expose sensitive information in the future. That's why we need to think about secure cryptography and regulation now." CIO Cafe Feb. 11, 2025

    Quantum sensing for cleaner drinking water

    Next, Hannah Boute, process supervisor of the Exploratory Quantum Technology Assessment and team member of the Centre for Quantum and Society at Quantum Delta Netherlands, took the audience through a promising case study. Drinking water company Evides is investigating quantum sensing to measure real-time water quality and detect pollution early. "Due to climate change, drinking water supplies are under pressure. Quantum sensing helps to intervene faster and reduce pollution," Boute said. Currently, water samples are still analyzed manually, but this may change in the future. "By exploring the possibilities now, this technology becomes more tangible. This contributes to greater awareness and later successful adoption. Cooperation and including all stakeholders involved in the design is crucial here." According to Boute, successful adoption of quantum sensing requires:
    1. A minimal viable product: "It is important to work with scientists to realize a 'minimal viable product' that demonstrates how the technology works and that meets Evides' requirements. In this way you can guarantee quality and involve other drinking water companies and stakeholders in the further development of the concept."
    2. A validation process: a validation process is needed to compare existing and new water quality monitoring technology. Boute: "All stakeholders in the chain need to develop standards for measurements with quantum sensing, for exchanging data and for reporting."
    3. Expertise: Boute: "To use quantum sensing, you need to recruit, educate and train data professionals. Moreover, these professionals must be given the space to experiment and come to a structural way of working and a continuous work process with all stakeholders."

    Maintenance of Groningen grass plots in sharp focus

    Thomas van der Meer, innovation manager at the Ministry of Finance, demonstrated how quantum computing is already being used to check subsidies on the maintenance of Groningen grass plots. "By combining satellite images and machine learning, we automatically check whether grass is properly maintained and whether subsidies are rightly paid. Where this is currently done with the naked eye, quantum technology offers unprecedented precision." "Does a quantum computer outperform a traditional computer in this? The answer is 'no.' They perform about equally. And that's OK. The point is to explore quantum technology and discover how we can apply this new world within complex government. The important thing now is to experiment and learn how this technology can support us."

    "Research, experiment, inspire and learn from each other."

    Floor Kloosterman closed the afternoon with a clear call: "Investigate how and where quantum technology can add value in your organization. Experiment, learn and share knowledge. Only together can we embrace this revolutionary technology in a responsible and innovative way." While enjoying drinks, there was extensive discussion. In doing so, 1 thing was certain: quantum technology is long gone from the future. It is here and it is going to change our world.

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