# Interview: NXP CEO Kurt Sievers | Cryptographers vs. Quantum Computers | The 8088

- Show: [EE Times Current](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ee-times-current)
- Published: 2020-06-05
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ee-times-current/2020-06-05-interview-nxp-ceo-kurt-sievers-cryptographers-vs-quantum-computers-the-8088
- Listen: https://www.eetimes.com/podcasts/wb060520/

## Summary

NXP CEO Kurt Sievers discusses his strategy to focus on 'secure edge processing'—combining microcontrollers, security, and connectivity—to drive the next decade of semiconductor growth, while navigating the pandemic by protecting core R&D investments. Meanwhile, Rambus cryptographer Helena Hanchu explains how quantum computers threaten current asymmetric cryptography, detailing the NIST post-quantum cryptography standardization process and the industry's push for 'crypto agility' to swap algorithms before quantum machines become powerful enough to break existing keys. The episode also covers the historical significance of the Intel 8088 processor, which launched the IBM PC and established x86 dominance.

## Chapters

- [0:00](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ee-times-current/2020-06-05-interview-nxp-ceo-kurt-sievers-cryptographers-vs-quantum-computers-the-8088#t=0) Introduction: Kurt Sievers and NXP's Strategic Focus
- [1:59](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ee-times-current/2020-06-05-interview-nxp-ceo-kurt-sievers-cryptographers-vs-quantum-computers-the-8088#t=119) Kurt Sievers on NXP's Evolution and Leadership Style
- [13:43](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ee-times-current/2020-06-05-interview-nxp-ceo-kurt-sievers-cryptographers-vs-quantum-computers-the-8088#t=823) Navigating the Pandemic and Protecting Core Investments
- [18:44](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ee-times-current/2020-06-05-interview-nxp-ceo-kurt-sievers-cryptographers-vs-quantum-computers-the-8088#t=1124) NXP's 'Secure Edge Processing' Strategy
- [21:19](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ee-times-current/2020-06-05-interview-nxp-ceo-kurt-sievers-cryptographers-vs-quantum-computers-the-8088#t=1279) Helena Hanchu on Quantum Threats to Cryptography
- [28:12](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ee-times-current/2020-06-05-interview-nxp-ceo-kurt-sievers-cryptographers-vs-quantum-computers-the-8088#t=1692) NIST's Post-Quantum Cryptography Competition
- [30:56](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ee-times-current/2020-06-05-interview-nxp-ceo-kurt-sievers-cryptographers-vs-quantum-computers-the-8088#t=1856) Implementing Crypto Agility in Software and Hardware
- [39:23](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ee-times-current/2020-06-05-interview-nxp-ceo-kurt-sievers-cryptographers-vs-quantum-computers-the-8088#t=2363) The 8088: Intel's Marketing Masterstroke

## Topics

- [Microcontrollers & dev platforms](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/microcontrollers-and-platforms)
- [Security & privacy](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/security-and-privacy)
- [Chips, FPGAs & semiconductors](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/chips-and-fpgas)
- [Leadership, teams & culture](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/leadership-and-culture)
- [Policy, trade & tariffs](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/policy-trade-and-tariffs)
- [Careers & education](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/engineering-careers-and-education)

## Most relevant to

large enterprises

## Mentioned

- NXP (company)
- Kurt Sievers (other)
- Rick Klemer (other)
- Rambus (company)
- Helena Hanchu (other)
- NIST (other)
- Intel (company)
- Microsoft (company)
- Arm (company)
- IBM (company)
- Google (company)
- Amazon (company)
- 8088 (chip)
- 8086 (chip)
- 3 bears (other)
- TLS (other)
- HTTPS (other)
- S2N (other)
- Open Quantum Safe (other)

## Related episodes from other shows

- [Episode 74: Deep in the Weeds in Cryptography (not crypto)](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-circuit/2024-07-11-episode-74-deep-in-the-weeds-in-cryptography-not-crypto) (The Circuit)
- [Episode 68: The Wide World of FPGAs](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-circuit/2024-05-22-episode-68-the-wide-world-of-fpgas) (The Circuit)
- [How IoT Security is Evolving | Crypto Quantique's Shahram Mossayebi](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/iot-for-all-podcast/2022-07-26-how-iot-security-is-evolving-crypto-quantiques-shahram-mossayebi) (IoT For All Podcast)
- [PKI and IoT Device Security in 2021 | Keyfactor's Ellen Boehm](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/iot-for-all-podcast/2021-01-12-pki-and-iot-device-security-in-2021-keyfactors-ellen-boehm) (IoT For All Podcast)
- [EP 161: TSMC Earnings, Cerebras S1, Custom Semi Rumors, Apple CEO Change](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-circuit/2026-04-21-ep-161-tsmc-earnings-cerebras-s1-custom-semi-rumors-apple-ceo-change) (The Circuit)

## Citing this page

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