France introduces strict standard: from 2027, no post-quantum cryptography — not a single certificate.
France is taking a decisive step towards quantum security. The National Agency for the Security of Information Systems (ANSSI) has announced that from 2027, it will cease certifying cybersecurity products that are not equipped with encryption resistant to quantum attacks. This statement was made by the head of the agency's cabinet, Samih Souissi, at the France Quantum conference.
What does this mean in practice? ANSSI certification is not just a formality. It is a mandatory condition for the use of any solutions in French government bodies and critical infrastructure facilities. Without this stamp, a product is effectively cut off from the vast market of government and strategically important contracts.
Transition timeline: from voluntary to mandatory
According to Souissi, by 2030, French companies will be required to purchase exclusively quantum-resistant products. This is not just a recommendation, but a clear signal to the market: the era of classical encryption algorithms is coming to an end. The agency is essentially setting a deadline for the entire supply chain — from developers to end consumers.
The main driving factor behind this decision is the threat of "harvest now, decrypt later." Attackers can already intercept and accumulate encrypted data today, waiting for sufficiently powerful quantum computers to emerge. Once such machines become a reality, all accumulated information will be at risk of instant disclosure. This applies not only to state secrets but also to financial transactions, medical records, and any other confidential data.
My expert assessment: France is acting proactively, and this is the right strategy. However, it is important to understand that the transition to post-quantum cryptography is not just a software update. It is a change of fundamental algorithms, which will require a large-scale reorganization of the entire cybersecurity infrastructure. Companies that delay this transition should remember: time is working against them, and "quantum day" may arrive sooner than many expect.