News

Post-quantum cryptography: We invite you to a lecture by Simon Abelard (Université de Lorraine)

Few areas of cybersecurity are poised to become as pivotal a field in the coming years as post-quantum cryptography. Quantum computing and the threat of potential breaches of current cryptographic algorithms are driving intensive research efforts as well as public discourse that is often overly simplified and focused on fantastical scenarios.

This week, we have the opportunity to hear a lecture by a prominent international expert on post-quantum cryptography right here at the faculty. Simon Abelard earned his Ph.D. in computer science from the Université de Lorraine (2018). Today, he serves as an associate professor at EPITA in Paris and as a researcher at the Sorbonne. His main research topics include post-quantum cryptography in the broadest sense, ranging from algebraic cryptanalysis to the design and practical implementation of protocols. Recently, he has begun exploring the field of hybrid protocols that combine post-quantum and quantum cryptography.

  • Topic: Post-quantum cryptography, cryptanalysis, and design
  • When: Thursday, March 19, 2:00 PM
  • Where: Room A218, FIT VUT

The lecture will be divided into two thematic sections. The introductory part will provide insight into research focused on the cryptanalysis of multivariate schemes using geometric approaches. The subsequent part will focus on encryption schemes for group broadcasting designed with an emphasis on efficient bandwidth utilization. These schemes are based on Boolean functions and tools of symmetric cryptography and are primarily intended for specific data transmission scenarios, such as in space or underwater.

[img]

FIT is helping to develop the Záchranka app

Few mobile apps are as widely used in the Czech Republic. Záchranka has already been downloaded more than 3.5 million times. Over 100 people use it every day, and it has facilitated more than 220,000 contacts to date. The project, which began as a bachelor’s thesis by Brno University of Technology student Filip Maleňák, is now the official app of the Emergency Medical Service, Mountain Rescue Service, and Water Rescue Service. And it has long since expanded beyond the borders of the Czech Republic.

Work on the app continues. Záchranka has its own internal software team, albeit a small one consisting of seven members. The current development of Záchranka is closely linked to the environment of the Faculty of Information Technology at BUT. Former faculty student Martin Dybal, now an employee of Záchranka, has been working as an external lecturer at the faculty since 2014 (specifically, he contributes to the ICS and IW5 courses). Dybal is responsible for assigning projects that allow students to participate in Záchranka’s software development. One of the three projects already defended is a bachelor’s thesis authored by Radek Jestřabík, the results of which have recently been implemented into Záchranka and have brought significant progress in video call functionality.

The result is a system in the form of a multimedia server through which video is transmitted from the user to the Záchranka portal. It is precisely the live playback of the video call recording during the call with the caller that is the key benefit of Jestřabík’s solution. Other changes added to the portal thanks to his work include the ability to capture important moments via a screenshot, which can be forwarded to a newly assigned dispatcher, who then doesn’t have to search through the recording. The solutions are now implemented in the app in all countries where Záchranka operates. “It was challenging; there were a lot of things we had to improve and fine-tune,” comments Jestřabík.

You can read more about the current state of Záchranka’s development and our faculty’s involvement in its improvement in our press release.

[img]

The passing of Mr. Zdeněk Juříček Sr.

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Mr. Zdeněk Juříček Sr., a long-standing member of our faculty and an integral part of its identity, who left us today, March 12, 2026.

His official title as Audiovisual Technology Manager far from captures the full extent of his contribution to the Faculty of Information Technology. He provided daily support for teaching, served as a master of ceremonies for academic occasions, contributed to campus management, and, above all, was the "good soul" behind the faculty's daily operations.

His significance was formally recognized last year when he received the BUT Commemorative Medal from the Rector of the University in honor of his long-standing professional and dedicated work. More importantly, he will be remembered through the warm memories of his colleagues and our students.

He will be greatly missed. Honor to his memory.

[img]

FIT BUT partners with the Cybercrime Atlas, a World Economic Forum-hosted initiative

Experts from FIT have long been at the forefront of research in the field of cybersecurity, specifically in the areas of network traffic security, cryptocurrencies, the dark web, and AI abuse. It is therefore no surprise that they were invited to collaborate on strategic research focused on combating cybercrime on a global scale. The initiative, launched in 2023 under the auspices of the World Economic Forum, is called the Cybercrime Atlas. In the fight against cybercrime, unity is strength—effective measures require seamless cooperation between public and private institutions. After all, digital crime knows no borders. The goal of this project is therefore to eliminate the current fragmentation of knowledge and practices in the fight against cybercriminal activities.

The Cybercrime Atlas project community uses open-source research to gain new insights into the cybercrime ecosystem. Simply put, the experts involved map the landscape, individual criminal operations, criminal networks, and infrastructure using open-source information. Their goal is to gather insights and subsequently draw conclusions that help eliminate cybercrime worldwide. The project has already yielded concrete results. According to last year’s annual report, the findings gathered by the Cybercrime Atlas project in 2024–2025 were utilized in four major international campaigns aimed at disrupting cybercriminal networks.

What is the contribution of our researchers? On the one hand, it involves generating expert knowledge and ensuring the academic accuracy of the outputs, and at the same time, it also involves the development of software tools. Researchers (as well as students) associated with Dr. Vladimír Veselý will work together with international colleagues to create interactive materials that will serve to streamline the processes necessary for detecting cybercrimes that primarily utilize cryptoassets.

You can read more about this prestigious international project in the press release.

[img]

If You Have the Chance to Go on Erasmus, Take It!

Why miss out on an opportunity to study abroad when it's right there? That was exactly the mindset of Veronika Molnárová, a student at the Faculty of Information Technology (FIT), who spent a semester at Kaunas University of Technology in Lithuania. “I always planned to go on Erasmus during my studies and didn't want to waste the opportunity,” she explains.

After completing most of her mandatory courses, Veronika decided it was the perfect time for a little “study-related vacation.” While she was initially drawn to Nordic countries, her final choice was influenced by a combination of affordability, recommendations from friends, and positive feedback from former students. “Lithuania might not be the most common choice, but that’s exactly what appealed to me—trying something different,” she adds.

FIT provided her with all the necessary information about the program, making the application process smooth. However, after arriving, she faced some minor confusion regarding accommodation. “We found out that other Erasmus students had similar issues, so it was more of an organizational misunderstanding on the part of the Lithuanian university,” she explains. Otherwise, she was pleasantly surprised by both the environment and the people.

According to her, the teaching style differed only slightly from her studies back home. “Some courses were entirely online, which is no longer common here after COVID. Overall, the studies felt more flexible, with a greater emphasis on independence. It was easy to get used to all the differences,” she says.

Although the host university didn't organize many special events, the international students managed to bond on their own. They spent their free time playing games, doing sports, cooking, or simply chatting. “We spent our free time together—whether traveling or just talking about life,” Veronika recalls.

Author: Archive Veronika Molnárova

She says the experience primarily brought her greater independence and self-confidence. “When you don't even have the security of a shared language, you have to manage on your own and take care of everything you need,” she says.

At the same time, Erasmus sparked a desire in her to travel more. “During that semester, we managed to travel through Lithuania, Poland, Latvia, Estonia, and Finland. Many classmates even visited other European countries. Although I don’t travel as intensely now, I would definitely love to return to some of my favorite places or discover new ones,” she adds.

When asked how she would describe her stay in one sentence, she answers without hesitation: “An unforgettable, once-in-a-lifetime experience.” And her message to those still considering Erasmus? “Every Erasmus is different, but based on my experience and many other positive ones, I believe that if you have the chance to go, you should take it. It will bring you a wealth of experience, memories, and friends from all corners of the world—people that fate would otherwise never have brought into your path.”

[img]
Back to top