Key Takeaways
- Consortium Inclusion: Post-Quantum selected for NIST’s project to transition to quantum-safe cryptographic algorithms.
- Key Collaborations: Includes major industry leaders like AWS, Cisco, Microsoft, and Palo Alto Networks.
- Focus Areas: Ensures VPN security, backward compatibility, and tests various PQC algorithms.
Post-Quantum has been selected to join the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) National Cybersecurity Center of Excellence (NCCoE) Quantum Migration Project. This project will help transition from current public-key cryptographic algorithms to quantum-safe alternatives, addressing the urgent need to protect data from “Harvest Now, Decrypt Later” attacks. In these attacks, encrypted data is stolen now and decrypted later when quantum computers become available.
The consortium includes major industry players such as Amazon Web Services (AWS), Cisco, Microsoft, Palo Alto Networks, and VMware. They will work together to secure complex IT systems and protect critical infrastructure. Post-Quantum, the oldest specialist firm in post-quantum cryptography (PQC), will play an important role. The company will ensure a smooth transition to quantum-safe Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) to protect against future quantum threats, support backward compatibility, and test different PQC algorithm configurations, including those standardized by NIST and other PQC algorithms.
Our priority over the last few years has been on accelerating real-world implementations. For example, last year a new standard that we authored for a hybrid quantum-safe Virtual Private Networks (VPN) was ratified by the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF). This new standard is now the glue that allows parties using different post-quantum key establishment algorithms to talk with one another, which is particularly important as we enter a situation where different nation states deploy a variety of different algorithms. We are looking forward to sharing implementation knowledge of our protocol and unique know-how in securing mobile end points with partners such as Palo Alto, Microsoft, and AWS, to accomplish an end-to-end secure quantum migration.
Andersen Cheng, Executive Chairman of Post-Quantum, emphasized the company’s focus on real-world applications. He mentioned their recent success in creating a new hybrid quantum-safe VPN standard, which was ratified by the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF). This standard allows communication across different post-quantum key establishment algorithms, a critical feature as various nations deploy different algorithms.
Post-Quantum will work on securing mobile endpoints and collaborate with partners like AWS, Microsoft, and Palo Alto Networks. As the first company focused solely on PQC, Post-Quantum has moved beyond research and development, offering operational quantum-safe solutions. These solutions include VPNs and Identity Systems used by NATO.
For more information about Post-Quantum, please visit their website.
