From online-banking to the blockchain – most IT security mechanisms for protecting data and digital communication are based on cryptography. Quantum computers and new forms of attacks are threatening many of these IT security mechanisms. How businesses and society can protect the cyber-world from such devastating threats in the future was discussed by experts in the realm of business, research, and politics at the “Eberbacher Gespräch” on “Next Generation Cryptography”. The experts’ opinion: Cryptography must become more flexible in order to be able to react quickly to technical changes. If this does not happen soon, the cyber-world could experience a security meltdown. Therefore, the experts recommend education on IT security, the development of practical help, as well as minimum EU-wide standards and an EU expert board for cryptography. The complete report is available online here.