Shantel
Key Takeaways:
- PQShield signs Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) and collaborates with eShard to meet the increasing commercial demand for post-quantum cryptography (PQC) implementations.
- Commercial demand for quantum preparedness surges following global cybersecurity policy developments, such as the Quantum Computing Cybersecurity Preparedness Act and the launch of national quantum strategies.
- PQShield plays a vital role in policymaking discussions, standard-setting projects, and the global migration to post-quantum cryptography.
PQShield, a leading provider of post-quantum cryptography (PQC) solutions, announces a series of deals that signify the growing demand for the real-world implementation of post-quantum cryptographic measures. These developments include a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) and a collaboration with eShard, aimed at facilitating the transition to quantum-secure solutions and advancing the implementation of high-security standards across industries.
Commercial Demand for Quantum Preparedness
The surge in commercial demand for quantum preparedness can be attributed to recent global cybersecurity policy developments. The United States, a cybersecurity policy bellwether, enacted the Quantum Computing Cybersecurity Preparedness Act in 2022 and provided additional guidance through the National Cybersecurity Centre of Excellence (NCCoE) in early 2023. These measures assist organizations in understanding the security architecture of their networks and protecting them against quantum-enabled cybersecurity threats.
Similarly, other countries such as the United Kingdom, Australia, and Germany have launched their own national quantum strategies, signaling the importance of addressing quantum threats. Furthermore, the National Security Agency (NSA) issued guidance mandating a transition to post-quantum cryptography for software by 2025, further underscoring the urgency for implementing quantum-proof security measures.
Collaborations to Meet Quantum-Proof Security Needs
PQShield, in its commitment to addressing the increasing demand for post-quantum cryptographic solutions, has entered into strategic collaborations to support organizations in their transition to quantum-proof security.
Memorandum of Understanding with Tata Consultancy Services (TCS)
In the field of consulting, PQShield has signed an MoU with Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), a prominent IT services, consulting, and business solutions organization. Recognizing the significance of consultancies and systems integrators in the global cryptography migration process, this partnership leverages PQShield’s expertise and products to support TCS’ clients in modernizing their cryptographic infrastructure and transitioning to post-quantum cryptography. By collaborating with TCS, businesses can streamline their crypto modernization efforts, minimize risks, and comprehensively safeguard their operations.
Santha Subramoni, head of cybersecurity practice at TCS, emphasizes the importance of quantum-proof security: “The quantum cybersecurity threat poses foundational risks to how we secure information on the internet today, and we’re working with our customers to develop a strategy and roadmap for quantum-proof security. We’re glad to partner with PQShield in this journey of helping enterprises be cyber confident in the quantum era.”
Collaboration with eShard for Advanced Side-Channel Protection
PQShield has also formed a collaboration with eShard, a leading provider of side-channel analysis and testing tools. This partnership aims to accelerate the implementation of advanced side-channel secured solutions for critical applications. Side-channel attacks target vulnerabilities related to a device’s physical characteristics rather than directly attacking the cryptographic algorithms themselves. By working with eShard, PQShield enhances the validation of its secure hardware IP, ensuring robust protection against side-channel attacks. This collaboration builds upon PQShield’s dedication to delivering trusted and highly-secure implementations of quantum-safe cryptography in various domains, including chips, applications, and cloud environments.
PQShield’s Contributions to Policymaking and Standardization
PQShield’s commitment to shaping the future of post-quantum cryptography extends beyond commercial collaborations. The company actively participates in policymaking discussions and standard-setting projects, aiming to establish global guidelines and standards for quantum-proof security.
Advisory Role in Telecoms and Migration Initiatives
In the telecommunications sector, PQShield provided guidance for the GSMA’s Post Quantum Telco Impact Assessment White Paper. This influential document recommends that network operators begin deploying post-quantum cryptography as soon as the algorithms are standardized by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST).
PQShield has also entered into a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) with the NCCoE, the cybersecurity division of NIST. The collaboration focuses on developing practices to ease the migration from current public-key algorithms to post-quantum cryptography. Through these initiatives, PQShield plays a pivotal role in supporting organizations in adopting quantum-resistant cryptographic solutions.
Leading Contributions to Standardization Efforts
As a leading contributor to NIST’s process to standardize post-quantum cryptography, PQShield has played a crucial role in shaping the future of quantum-proof security. The company has advised on or contributed to all of the algorithms announced in the first group of winners in July 2022. By actively participating in standardization efforts, PQShield ensures that its solutions align with global cryptographic standards, enhancing their reliability and compatibility.
PQShield’s CEO on Quantum Threat and Solutions
Ali El Kaafarani, CEO and founder of PQShield, underscores the importance of addressing the quantum threat: “Quantum computers pose a particular threat to large organizations given the sprawling nature of their cryptographic infrastructure and their reliance on secure communications. We’re seeing a significant shift in the commercial landscape as more of these businesses wake up to the urgency of the problem and seek out a solution.”
PQShield’s comprehensive approach to post-quantum cryptography, from consultancy partnerships to collaborations for side-channel protection, positions the company as a key player in the quantum security landscape. As the quantum era approaches, PQShield’s expertise and solutions will play a vital role in helping organizations navigate the transition to quantum-proof security.
