Practically all applications in which data or processes are secured use cryptographic methods nowadays. This premises that the crypto procedures used will be secure according to the state of the art. In its research ATHENE deals with the analysis of existing cryptographic solutions and develops new methods containing the security properties required for certain applications. In particular, the performance and usability in practical application are also considered.

An important focus of ATHENE's cryptography research is currently on the next generation of cryptography which is to be secure against strong attackers with quantum computers as well. Such powerful quantum computers are expected to be available in the coming years and will make it possible to break many of the currently used cryptographic methods such as RSA and ECC. Against this background, ATHENE deals with the analysis, development and implementation of new types of cryptographic procedures that will both withstand the computing power of a quantum computer and be secure against classic attacks.