Trump signed two executive orders.

In recent days, a significant international event took place that underscored the growing importance of cybersecurity in both national security and economic stability. A major conference brought together representatives from public administration, business, academia, and experts responsible for digital security. This year’s edition was held under the theme “We are the firewall,” emphasizing that effective protection against digital threats depends not just on technology but also on human decisions and actions.

The relationship between cybersecurity and national security emerged as one of the most critical topics discussed during the event. Participants in the opening session focused on geopolitical aspects of cybersecurity and technological sovereignty. Dariusz Standerski, secretary of state at the Ministry of Digitization, highlighted that over 272,000 cybersecurity incidents were handled in Poland last year, representing a 144 percent increase compared to the previous year. He noted that while the number of incidents is rising, so too is the complexity of the threats faced. Organized cybercriminal groups, the ransomware-as-a-service model, and new methods of bypassing security measures are increasingly prevalent.

Participants emphasized that digital security must now be viewed through the lens of technological sovereignty. Radosław Nielek, director of NASK, pointed out risks associated with dependence on single suppliers and the need to develop domestic solutions in key technological areas. Tomasz Zdzikot, vice-chairman of the Council for Security and Defense at the President’s Office, stressed the importance of building strong Polish competencies and technologies capable of competing internationally.

A crucial takeaway from the discussions was the role of humans in the realm of cybersecurity. A presentation of the report “Cyberportrait of the Polish Business 2026,” prepared by ESET and DAGMA IT Security, revealed that despite increasing investments in security technologies, many organizations still neglect the development of employee skills. According to the report, 58 percent of employees have not participated in any cybersecurity training in the past five years. Experts emphasized that social engineering and manipulation are far cheaper and more effective tools for cybercriminals than attempting to breach technical defenses.

Issues related to organizational culture were also addressed during discussions on incident management. Experts indicated that employees often fail to report threats due to fear of consequences or lack of knowledge about procedures. Building resilience within institutions was another important topic covered in the program. Michał Gramatyka, secretary of state at the Ministry of Digitization, stated that building institutional resilience should not be limited to reacting to incidents. Key elements include exercises, tests, simulations, and learning from past experiences.

Similar conclusions were drawn during debates on protecting critical infrastructure. Experts noted that even the best technological solutions will not replace proper procedures and adequate preparation of personnel. Marcin Dudek, head of CERT Poland, pointed out that many crises result not from a lack of knowledge about threats but from delayed responses or inadequate action.

The development of artificial intelligence and new European regulations were frequently mentioned as factors that will influence the design and maintenance of digital products in the coming years. During discussions on the Cyber Resilience Act, attention was given to the necessity of incorporating security considerations into the design phase of products and services. The success of these new regulations will depend on how effectively they are implemented.

Meanwhile, in the United States, President Donald Trump signed two executive orders aimed at accelerating the construction of a powerful quantum computer for scientific research and securing government systems against cyber threats linked to this technology. One order supports the development of an advanced quantum computer for scientific research purposes, while the other focuses on protecting government systems from cyberattacks that could be driven by quantum computers.

Michael Kratsios, director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy at the White House, stated that he believes such developments could occur by 2028. The administration aims to migrate key government systems to post-quantum cryptography by 2030 or 2031 to reduce the risk that new machines might be able to break current protections guarding computers against hackers.

The White House expressed confidence that under President Trump’s leadership, quantum computing is making a significant leap forward, positioning the United States as a leader in these innovative and groundbreaking technologies. Quantum computers utilize principles of quantum physics to process information in ways that allow solving certain complex problems much faster than today’s supercomputers. However, they may also pose future challenges for cybersecurity by potentially decrypting the encryption currently used to protect information systems.

The executive orders also include directives for the Pentagon to deploy quantum sensors by 2028. These devices can assist aircraft in navigation in combat zones where GPS systems are jammed. Placed on satellites, they could also help detect underground activities, such as tunnel construction or missile silo development. Matthew Kinsella, president of Infleqtion, who attended the signing ceremony in the Oval Office, noted that achieving these milestones is feasible.

One of the orders also calls for strengthening international cooperation in protecting intellectual property and ensuring supply chain security. Kratsios stated that these actions are a response to competitors and adversaries seeking to undermine the economic and national security of the United States. Federal agencies were instructed to prepare implementation plans for quantum-based sensors and networks within the next five years.