A More Secure, Cryptographically Agile Solution for Data Protection & Online Communications

By: Paul Fuegner, Head of Marketing, QuSecure™ 

As we move further into the 21st century, emerging technologies are becoming more and more commonplace. These technologies hold great promise for the future but also come with a host of new security risks. The following explores the potential of quantum-safe cybersecurity and how businesses and our government can best protect themselves against the dangers posed by these recent advances in quantum computing technologies. 

The Importance of Quantum Computing to National Security 

Quantum computers are incredibly powerful machines that can perform calculations at speeds far beyond those of traditional computers. This increased computational power opens a new world of possibilities, but it also poses a serious and imminent threat to national security. Quantum computers could be used to break currently unbreakable encryption codes, allowing hackers and hostile nations to access sensitive information. 

Quantum computing is powerful because it can solve complex problems in ways traditional computers cannot. For example, quantum algorithms create multidimensional spaces where patterns linking individual data points emerge. This makes quantum computing immensely valuable for businesses, governments, and other organizations looking to gain a competitive edge.  However, it also presents a serious security risk. 

To date, quantum computers have not yet been used to break encryption codes. However, businesses and governments are already taking steps to protect themselves against the threat posed by quantum computing. One way they are doing this is by implementing post-quantum cryptography. The great news is that you don’t need a quantum computer to fight against a quantum computer; we can use classical math and software. 

QuSecure™ focuses on developing cryptographic solutions that quantum computers cannot break. We are creating an intelligent crypto-switched network (ICSN). This network and our QuProtect™ software will employ several schemes that are quantum resilient, including lattice-based cryptography, hash trees, multivariate equations, and super-singular isogeny elliptic curves. In the near future, we will continue to offer solutions that adapt using cryptographic agility to new post-quantum cryptographic algorithms to ensure that our data is secure against any potential threat. 

QuSecure, as an exclusive SBIR Phase III award recipient, is working with our federal government to improve our national security by using algorithms identified by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). After six years and multiple rounds of evaluation, NIST has selected four algorithms that will become part of their post-quantum cryptographic standard and are expected to be finalized in approximately two years. NIST’s chosen quantum-safe cryptographic algorithms, based on lattice cryptography, include CRYSTALS-Kyber, CRYSTALS-Dilithium, Falcon, and SPHINCS. 

The United States is beginning to make significant investments in quantum science and quantum computing so that we can stay ahead of other countries in the race to develop these technologies. We need to fund research into quantum theory, hardware, and software; quickly deploy advanced quantum systems; and create “proof of concept” programs to purchase commercial-grade quantum technologies.  

As quantum computers become more powerful, their risks to national security are rapidly increasing. Businesses and governments must take steps now to protect themselves against these threats. QuSecure is at the forefront of this effort and ready now to help ensure our country and its digital infrastructure are quantum-safe today . . . and tomorrow.