Michael J. D. Vermeer

Michael J. D. Vermeer
Senior Physical Scientist
Washington Office

Education

Ph.D. in chemistry, Northwestern University; B.S. in chemistry, Calvin University

Overview

Michael Vermeer is a technologist with experience in science and technology policy research in homeland security, criminal justice, the intelligence community, and the armed forces. He specializes in assessing opportunities and security risks associated with emerging technologies. He is an expert on the cybersecurity risks created by quantum computing and the challenges with broad adoption of post-quantum cryptography. He was on the advisory board for the National Cyber Moonshot workshop on a Trusted Ecosystem, and he co-leads the Priority Criminal Justice Needs Initiative, a research partnership identifying technology and policy needs across the criminal justice system.

Recent Projects

  • National Critical Function Emerging Issue Risk Analysis
  • Criminal Justice Requirements & Resources Consortium
  • Quantum Computing and the Future of Encryption
  • Identifying the Highest Priority Criminal Justice Technology Needs

Selected Publications

Vermeer, Michael J. D., Chad Heitzenrater, Edward Parker, Alvin Moon, Domenique Lumpkin, Jalal Awan, and Patricia A. Stapleton, Evaluating Cryptographic Vulnerabilities Created by Quantum Computing in Industrial Control Systems, RAND Corporation (RR-A2427-1), 2023

Vermeer, Michael J. D., Edward Parker, and Ajay K. Kochhar, Preparing for Post-Quantum Critical Infrastructure: Assessments of Quantum Computing Vulnerabilities of National Critical Functions, RAND Corporation (RR-A1367-6), 2022

Michael J. D. Vermeer, "The Evolution of the Post-Quantum Cyber Environment," Georgetown Journal of International Affairs, 2023 (forthcoming)

Vermeer, Michael J. D., Evan D. Peet, Securing Communications in the Quantum Computing Age: Managing the Risks to Encryption, RAND Corporation (RR-3102-RC), 2020

Vermeer, Michael J. D., Jeremy D. Barnum, Siara I. Sitar, Dulani Woods, and Brian A. Jackson, Amplifying the Speakers: Identifying High-Priority Needs for Law Enforcement Public Information Officers, RAND Corporation (RR-A108-15), 2022

Jackson, Brian A., Michael J. D. Vermeer, Kristin J. Leuschner, Dulani Woods, John S. Hollywood, Duren Banks, Sean E. Goodison, Joe Russo, and Shoshana R. Shelton, Fostering Innovation Across the U.S. Criminal Justice System: Identifying Opportunities to Improve Effectiveness, Efficiency, and Fairness, RAND Corporation (RR-4242-NIJ), 2020

Vermeer, Michael J. D., Dulani Woods, and Brian A. Jackson, Would Law Enforcement Leaders Support Defunding the Police? Probably — If Communities Ask Police to Solve Fewer Problems, RAND Corporation (PE-A108-1), 2020

Honors & Awards

  • Bronze Medal Award, 2022, RAND
  • Spotlight Innovation Award, 2019, RAND

Commentary

  • Cybersecurity

    Preparing for a Post-Quantum Future

    Future quantum computers could create a significant national security risk by enabling attackers to break a foundational element of security in America's networked communication infrastructure. The United States is taking strides to address national security risks from quantum computing, but there is a long road ahead.

    Oct 6, 2022

    The RAND Blog

  • Cybersecurity

    Hack Post-Quantum Cryptography Now So That Bad Actors Don't Do It Later

    The U.S. government should consider offering a public cash bounty to anyone who can crack the new forms of encryption that are being rolled out to defend against quantum computers. If a bounty helps catch a vulnerability before it's deployed, then the modest cost of the bounty could prevent much higher costs down the line.

    Jul 28, 2022

    Lawfare

Publications