Inside Cloudflare's Post-Quantum Journey: Bas Westerbaan on Real-World Implementation

Is your organization truly prepared for the post-quantum era? In the premier episode of Shielded: The Last Line of Cyber Defense, host Johannes Lintzen is joined by Bas Westerbaan, Research Engineer at Cloudflare, to discuss why organizations must act now on post-quantum cryptography, how to navigate the two-phase migration process, and how to overcome key management, compliance, and performance challenges. Whether you're just starting or refining your post-quantum strategy, this conversation delivers the insights you need to future-proof your cryptographic security.

In the premier episode of Shielded: The Last Line of Cyber Defense, Johannes Lintzen welcomes Bas Westerbaan, Research Engineer at Cloudflare, to break down real-world post-quantum migration challenges and solutions:

Cloudflare’s early PQC adoption - lessons from years of real-world implementation
Why you need two migrations (encryption today, authentication next)
How to secure executive buy-in & conduct a cryptographic inventory
The hidden performance & compatibility challenges of PQC deployment
Why vendor readiness & regulatory compliance will shape adoption

Bas Westerbaan is a Research Engineer at Cloudflare, specializing in post-quantum cryptography and its practical implementation at scale. With a PhD in theoretical quantum computing from Radboud University and experience across academia and industry, including roles at UCL and PQShield, Westerbaan brings a unique perspective to the intersection of mathematical theory and real-world cryptographic engineering. He has been instrumental in Cloudflare's post-quantum initiatives since 2017, leading efforts in implementing quantum-safe encryption and helping shape the company's phased approach to post-quantum migration

Want exclusive insights on post-quantum security? Stay ahead of the curve - subscribe to Shielded: The Last Line of Cyber Defense on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube Podcasts.

✔ Get insider knowledge from leading cybersecurity experts.

✔ Learn practical steps to future-proof your organization.

✔ Stay updated on regulatory changes and industry trends.

Need help subscribing? Click here for step-by-step instructions.