Pioneering Post-Quantum Security: Three Decades of Technology Innovation

Since founding 01 Communique in 1992, we’ve maintained an unwavering commitment to technological innovation. Today, we’re leading the charge in protecting the world against quantum computing threats. This evolution reflects our consistent focus on identifying and solving tomorrow’s technological challenges.

The recent advancements in quantum computing, particularly Google Quantum AI’s Willow quantum chip, have validated our long-held belief that quantum threats to current encryption methods are real and imminent. While others are just beginning to grapple with these challenges, we’ve already developed and implemented solutions that are ready for deployment.

Our journey into post-quantum cryptography (PQC) has yielded significant results. Our patent-protected technologies aren’t just theoretical – they’re practical solutions already integrated into real-world applications.  We use the PQC algorithms which have been endorsed by the US National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) as their latest FIPS-203, FIPS-204, and FIPS-205 standards, confirming their robustness and reliability.

Perhaps our most exciting breakthrough is in the cryptocurrency space. Since 2022, we’ve recognized that digital currencies would be particularly vulnerable to quantum computing attacks. This foresight led us to develop a groundbreaking solution with a partner: a PQC-compliant Solana (SOL) L1 blockchain. This innovation, protected by US Patent #11,669,833, isn’t just another blockchain – it’s a transformation tool that can convert any existing cryptocurrency into a quantum-safe asset.

But our innovations don’t stop at blockchain. Our IronCAP™ cryptographic engine is designed for businesses of all sizes, making quantum-safe security accessible to everyone. We’re particularly proud of IronCAP X™, the world’s first quantum-safe end-to-end email encryption solution. In a world where phishing and email fraud are rampant, this technology ensures both privacy and sender authenticity.

Looking at our history, it’s clear that adaptation and innovation are in our DNA. From our early days trading on the Canadian Dealing Network to our current position on the TSX Venture Exchange and US OTC PINK market, we’ve consistently evolved to meet new challenges. Under the leadership of our founder and CEO Andrew Cheung, we’ve built a portfolio of seven patents and multiple pending applications, all focused on securing the future of digital communication.

As we move forward, our vision extends beyond current applications. We’re actively developing quantum-safe solutions for AI Machine Learning and true end-to-end messaging platforms. Our goal is clear: to ensure that as the world becomes increasingly interconnected and remote, our technologies provide the security foundation necessary for safe, reliable digital interactions.

The quantum computing threat isn’t a distant possibility – it’s an approaching reality. But at 01 Communique, we see this not as a challenge to fear, but as an opportunity to innovate. Our suite of “Zero-Trust” secure remote access services and products, combined with our quantum-safe cryptographic solutions, offers comprehensive protection for the post-quantum era.

Through three decades of innovation, our journey reflects our commitment to anticipating and addressing technological challenges before they become crises. As quantum computing continues to advance, we remain dedicated to our mission: providing innovative, accessible, and effective security solutions for the quantum age.

The future of cybersecurity is quantum-safe, and we’re proud to be leading the way in making that future a reality. With our proven track record of innovation and our continued investment in cutting-edge solutions, we’re not just preparing for the quantum future – we’re actively shaping it.

01 Communique Positions Itself at the Forefront of Blockchain Security

At 01 Communique, we’ve always believed in staying ahead of technological threats. Today, as quantum computing advances at an unprecedented pace with breakthroughs like Google Quantum AI’s Willow quantum chip, we’re proud to be leading the charge in developing robust post-quantum cryptography (PQC) solutions that protect blockchain and cryptocurrency security.

Since our founding in 1992, we’ve maintained our position at the forefront of technological innovation. While many are just beginning to recognize the potential threats that quantum computing poses to traditional encryption methods, we’ve spent years and significant resources developing PQC-compliant products that address these challenges head-on.

Our commitment to quantum-safe security isn’t just talk – it’s backed by concrete achievements and recognition. Our technologies incorporate PQC algorithms that have received endorsement from the US National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) as their latest FIPS-203, FIPS-204, and FIPS-205 standards. This validation confirms what we’ve known all along: the quantum threat is real, and preparation is crucial.

We’re particularly excited about our breakthrough in blockchain security. We’ve successfully developed a PQC-compliant Solana (SOL) L1 blockchain, with commercialization on the horizon for 2025. This innovation is protected by our US Patent #11,669,833, which covers groundbreaking technology capable of converting existing cryptocurrencies into PQC-compliant assets. As cryptocurrencies gain wider acceptance, we’re ready to provide the security solutions needed to protect these assets against quantum threats.

Our quantum-safe security solutions extend well beyond blockchain. Our flagship IronCAP™ cryptographic engine enables businesses of all sizes to protect their systems against potential quantum computer attacks while maintaining compatibility with current classical computer systems. We’re also proud of IronCAP X™, the world’s first quantum-safe end-to-end email encryption system, designed to ensure ultimate email privacy and prevent phishing through robust sender authentication.

Looking to the future, we’re expanding our quantum-safe security solutions into new frontiers, including AI Machine Learning and true end-to-end messaging platforms. Our extensive patent portfolio, protected across various countries, demonstrates our ongoing commitment to innovation and security.

We’ve come a long way from our early days as a fax and communication software provider. Today, we stand ready to address one of the most significant technological challenges of our time: the quantum threat to cybersecurity. Our early recognition of this threat and our proactive response have positioned us uniquely in the market.

As quantum computing continues to evolve, our mission remains clear: to provide cutting-edge, quantum-safe security solutions that protect our clients’ assets and communications. Whether it’s through our PQC-compliant blockchain technology, our IronCAP™ cryptographic engine, or our secure communication solutions, we’re committed to ensuring that businesses and individuals are prepared for the quantum computing era.

The future of cybersecurity is quantum-safe, and at 01 Communique, we’re not just preparing for that future – we’re building it. Join us as we continue to innovate and protect against the cybersecurity challenges of tomorrow.

A Gift and a Curse: The Sacrifices Required to Secure Our Future in the Quantum Age

Banner-13The extraordinary computational power of quantum computers makes them a double-edged sword. While they have the ability to optimize communication, medicine research, and artificial intelligence, their dark side can completely nullify all encrypted data, leading to unethical and disruptive changes in the future.

As a consequence, agencies have started making efforts to update cryptographic inventory and prioritize systems in hopes of migrating towards post-quantum cryptography (PQC) standards. US federal agencies have estimated that the transition to PQC will cost up to 7.1 billion dollars. But this is only an estimate. The price will most likely increase as quantum computers are developed and become more sophisticated.

This migration necessitates the identification and replacement of numerous systems that are incompatible with PQC algorithms, especially the older devices with embedded cryptographic algorithms. Cryptographic networks are interconnected. So if one system fails in its migration, others will be unable to migrate either.

To expedite this transition, the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has standardized 3 strong PQC algorithms: FIPS 203, FIPS 204, and FIPS 205. These algorithms present businesses with three robust PQC solutions.

FIPS 203 and FIPS 204 utilize a lattice-based algorithm, where the lowest common multiple amongst several numbers is represented as a vector within a lattice. This structure is versatile and efficient, capable of executing both general encryption and digital signature algorithms.

On the contrary, FIPS 205 employs a hash-based algorithm that specializes in digital signature and verification. While it is not as flexible as the lattice-based algorithm, it has been “time-tested” for significantly longer (close to 50 years). The fact that no proven theory can crack its encryption is indicative of its strength.

As we embark on a new chapter in the course of our history, we must realize our responsibility in dictating our fate during this quantum shift. By proactively mitigating the potential harm posed by quantum computers, we can harness the fortes and revolutionary discoveries that this technological phenomenon elicits.

To achieve this goal, we must prepare to sacrifice money, time, and effort in order to integrate PQC standards into our everyday lives. By refusing to act, we leave our digital world vulnerable to quantum threats that could completely rupture our digital infrastructure, causing irreversible damage that no amount of money or time can repair.

Awareness to Action: Proactively Maintaining Resilience in a Quantum World

Banner-13After 8 years of intense efforts, in response to the increasingly apparent dangers of post-quantum cybersecurity threat, the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has finally standardized three post-quantum cryptography algorithms on August 13th, 2024: FIPS 203, FIPS 204, and FIPS 205. These algorithms relying on lattice and hash function-based cryptography are designed to withstand the power of quantum computers. NIST strongly advises businesses to act NOW – to adapt to quantum-safe solutions so as to protect their data against quantum threats.

While industries in the finance and telecom sectors are making extensive plans to adapt to these changes, many vulnerable businesses have made little to no preparation.  Some aren’t even aware of the gravity of the situation. Without a defined deadline attached to the quantum threat, businesses are not under any obligation to make changes right away. This is a dangerous oversight because the method of “harvest now, decrypt later” can bring disasters to businesses once the bad guys with access to quantum computers target on them. Quantum threats can strike at any moment and cause irreversible consequences.  All businesses should take action NOW.

To prepare for the post-quantum world of cybersecurity, companies should launch pilot projects that incorporate post-quantum algorithms into their existing infrastructures. This will enable companies to explore the benefits of post-quantum cryptography and migrate to the post-quantum world in time.

IronCAP™ offers all the NIST-approved algorithms via its versatile software and hardware interfaces to safeguard digital assets and communications. IronCAP™ is compatible with industry standards such as PKCS#11 through its ICCHSM solution, serving as a seamless intermediator between applications and the IronCAP™ cryptography.

Furthermore, IronCAP™ offers a public key cipher that can be added into Libgcrypt, enabling backward compatibility with other key ciphers such as RSA, and ECC, promoting smooth migrations of post-quantum technologies, Similarly, our IronCAP™ technology can also be accessed via the OpenPGP hardware security module (HSM) compliant with the IronCAP™ cryptography.

As we proceed into a new chapter of this digital era filled with uncertainty, a universal call to enact post-quantum cryptography must occur to maintain the stability and continuity of our civilization. Although NIST standardization will help spread awareness, industries must comply. Proactive measures such as launching pilot projects and implementing our quantum-safe IronCAP™ technology will nullify the quantum threats and create a safe digital landscape.

 

Balancing Privacy and Security: Lessons Learned from Telegram’s Controversy

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On Sunday August 25th, 2024, Pavel Durov, the 39-year-old Russian-born billionaire and CEO of Telegram was arrested at a French airport as part of a broad investigation into criminal activities on the messaging platform. Telegram’s non-cooperation to share data with investigators led to allegations that it may be inadvertently facilitating illegal activities such as money laundering, drug trafficking, and terrorism. Some people believe it’s politically motivated because Durov refused to provide authorities with the platform’s “decryption master key” for certain “secret messages”.

Telegram is one of the major social media platforms in the world having more than 950 million users. Its popularity is driven by its light censorship on the content posted and its heavy emphasis on secure communications. Hence the platform has been favoured by privacy/security conscious people and particularly those who want to stay anonymous.

However, Telegram’s cryptographic protocol is not truly end-to-end because the decryption key is not solely possessed by their users. Techies believe that Telegram has the ability to decrypt the communications of their users. Whether the arrest of Durov was driven by criminal, cybersecurity or political concerns, the likely motive is to force a backdoor to the encrypted messages and gain access to the personal information of the Telegram users.

From the point of view of cybersecurity, a truly secure system is a zero-trust system whereby no one other than the recipient(s) of the information shall have the ability to decrypt it.

Pavel Durov’s arrest exposes a major controversial point of discussion in the realm of digital security: to be totally secure or not to be? While total zero-trust security can be used to safeguard data and privacy, it can be exploited by criminals to induce illegal activity without the fear of being detected. To the contrary, a system with a backdoor can plug criminals but expose serious security if the backdoor is possessed by an adversary. The situation can be a global disaster when it’s deeming national security or warfare. This will surely become an alarming issue when the post-quantum era approaches.

We at IronCAP™ believe we provide a perfect balance between privacy and security in our solutions. The IronCAP X™ email security system is a good example of zero-trust end-to-end mechanism whereby only the recipient(s) of the emails have the ability to decrypt and read the messages. In other words, no authority including the IronCAP X™ system has any backdoor nor any master key. Also, IronCAP X™ is not a platform that allows content promotion or large group messaging, i.e., unlikely to be exploited for illegal activities. It’s tailored for privacy conscious users for their secure communications. It is a prime example of how security and privacy can coexist. Authenticity and privacy together offer a workable defense against the escalating problems in our post-quantum world.

Race Against Time: Preparing for The Inevitable Q-Day

Banner-3There is no questioning that the development of quantum computers will potentially enhance various aspects of our life. However, they also introduce problems that undermine the security of our data, threatening the cybersecurity we rely on.

“Q-Day” refers to the day when quantum computers reach the power and qubit reliability enough to render current encryption algorithms (e.g. RSA, ECC) useless, rendering digital data vulnerable to exploitation. Unless defensive protocols are put in place, this event could lead to detrimental consequences within financial networks, military systems, and societal infrastructures.

Earlier estimations suggested that Q-Day wouldn’t arrive until 2029. However, research indicates that improvements in qubit reliability is amplifying efficiency, shortening the expected date. Whether or not post-quantum cryptography is integrated into our technologies, the arrival of the Q-Day is accelerating without any means of slowing down.

The other impending threat is the concept of “Harvest Now, Decrypt Later”. This strategy involves stealing encrypted data with the intent of decrypting it in the foreseeable future when quantum computers with sufficient power and qubit reliability become operational.

Given this threat, transitioning to post-quantum cryptography becomes significantly more imperative. Any form of modern encryption could be vulnerable to decryption once the Q-Day arrives. For instance, compromised data regarding the functionalities of a nuclear weapon would be exploitable when quantum computers emerge, leading to widespread disruption on a global scale.

In response to this situation, we have developed IronCAPTM that offers a comprehensive collection of the most prevalent post-quantum cryptographies that have been standardized by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). These encryption and digital signature algorithms experience thorough testing to determine their effectiveness against quantum threats. IronCAPTM promises security, efficiency, and coherence for encryption/decryption/signing/verification/key-generation algorithms to reduce the time consumption as well as the storage space required to complete these processes.

Along with its quantum-safety, IronCAPTM also enhances efficiencies by taking advantage of modern CPUs such as Advanced Vector Extension 2 (AVX2) to allow seamless implementation of post-quantum security without altering computational structure, ensuring its implementations are accommodating.

IronCAPTM is more than just a technological advancement, it is an accessible, yet powerful doorway to a secure future promoting confidentiality within both our personal lives and the digital world. IronCAPTM works as the perfect guardian, guiding and protecting us as we transition into a post-quantum era!

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Could RSA be cracked in 2025? – it looks like a strong possibility!

An interesting prediction has come to our attention – the RSA encryption algorithm may be cracked in 2025, which is just around the corner.

Although 2025 is an indirect conclusion (if you ask ChatGPT how many qubits are required to crack RSA the answer comes back as 4000 and IBM’s development roadmap of 4000 qubit being sometimes 2025) the implications of such an event are significant, and it’s crucial to explore potential solutions to ensure the security of our digital world.

While this prediction may not be set in stone, it’s worth contemplating the possibilities and considering the measures we can take to protect our sensitive information. That’s where IronCAP™ comes into play. IronCAP™ is a cutting-edge, patent-protected, post-quantum cryptographic system that utilizes not only Post-quantum Cryptographic algorithms approved by NIST but also Goppa Code-based technology predicted to be included into the final approval list of NIST later in 2024.

What sets IronCAP™ apart is its proprietary subclass of (L,G), which not only enhances security but also provides faster cryptographic operations, including key generation, encryption, and decryption. These advancements make IronCAP™ a compelling solution for safeguarding our data in a post-quantum era.

Designed to withstand the threats posed by quantum computers, IronCAP™ offers robust post-quantum encryption that can protect our digital communications and sensitive information. With the potential cracking of RSA on the horizon, IronCAP™ presents itself as a powerful tool to maintain the integrity of our online transactions and secure our personal data.

To demonstrate the strength of IronCAP™ post-quantum encryption, we are proud to offer a live demonstration for the general public. This opportunity allows individuals to experience firsthand the capabilities of IronCAP™ and witness its effectiveness in protecting information from potential threats.

Find out more …
https://www.ironcap.ca/demo/

As we navigate the uncertainties of the future, it’s essential to stay informed and proactive in our approach to cybersecurity. IronCAP™ represents a significant step forward in ensuring the confidentiality and integrity of our digital world. So, let’s embrace the possibilities offered by post-quantum encryption and explore the future of cybersecurity with IronCAP™ as our steadfast companion.

Together, let us forge a path towards a more secure digital landscape, one where our information remains protected even in the face of emerging threats. Join us in this journey, and let your voice be heard as we navigate the ever-changing landscape of cybersecurity. Together, we can build a safer future.

With the world’s fastest supercomputers, it would take around 300 trillion years to break the 2048-bit RSA encryption. A quantum computer would be finished with a similar task in merely eight hours!

You need to act now!

We at IronCAP™ have been trying to educate businesses and individuals that Q-day (the day the first quantum hack is publicly recognized) is around the corner and everybody needs to gear up. Nation states and governments are already at it, how about you? To learn more, visit www.ironcap.ca.

IronCAP™ is our latest innovation for the post-quantum cybersecurity. This patent-protected, post-quantum cryptographic system is based on the Goppa Code-based cryptographic technology. It has embedded our proprietary subclass of (L, G) making it not only more secured but also has faster cryptographic operations (key generation, encryption, decryption) than the traditional Goppa Code-based technology (McEliece). We are offering a live demonstration for the general public to try and experience the strength of IronCAP™ post-quantum encryption easily. To learn more, visit www.ironcap.ca.

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Safeguarding AI: The Imperative for Quantum-Safe Encrypted Machine Learning

In the rapidly evolving landscape of artificial intelligence, machine learning (ML) algorithms have become indispensable tools, shaping how organizations derive insights and make informed decisions. However, a critical concern persists – the lack of encryption in conventional ML algorithms poses serious privacy and security risks.

Unencrypted ML Algorithms: A Privacy Dilemma

It’s crucial to acknowledge that as of today, most ML algorithms operate in an unencrypted environment. This means that queries, results, and, significantly, the knowledge acquired during the learning process are left exposed. In essence, the crown jewel of organizations in the post-AI world – knowledge, including sensitive customer behavior data – remains vulnerable to exploitation.

Privacy Issues in Unencrypted Queries and Results

The unencrypted nature of queries and results in ML processes leads to severe privacy implications. Imagine a scenario where customer data, financial transactions, or strategic business insights are laid bare during communication between different components of an ML system. This lack of encryption opens the door to eavesdropping and interception, putting sensitive information at risk.

The Exposure of Knowledge: A Prime Target for Hackers

In the era where knowledge is power, the exposure of unencrypted ML knowledge becomes a prime target for hackers. Customer behavior patterns, proprietary algorithms, and other valuable insights acquired through ML processes become the coveted assets that malicious actors seek to exploit. The stakes are high, as organizations risk losing their competitive edge and compromising customer trust.

Quantum-Safe Encryption: The Path to Security

Amidst these challenges, there’s a ray of hope – the realization that we can create ML processes that are quantum-safe encrypted. By adopting our quantum-safe cryptographic techniques, organizations can fortify their ML algorithms against the looming threat of quantum computers, ensuring the confidentiality and integrity of their sensitive information.

Conclusion: Navigating the Quantum-Safe Future

In the race to unlock the full potential of machine learning, securing the knowledge acquired is paramount. As we step into the post-AI world, where data is king, adopting quantum-safe encrypted ML processes becomes not just a necessity but a strategic imperative. By fortifying our algorithms against emerging threats, we can usher in an era where innovation thrives, and organizations confidently harness the power of AI without compromising on security.

Remember, the journey towards quantum-safe encrypted ML is a dynamic one, requiring ongoing vigilance and adaptation to stay ahead in the ever-changing landscape of technology and security.

You need to act now!

We at IronCAP™ have been trying to educate businesses and individuals that Q-day (the day the first quantum hack is publicly recognized) is around the corner and everybody needs to gear up. Nation states and governments are already at it, how about you? To learn more, visit www.ironcap.ca.

IronCAP™ is our latest innovation for the post-quantum cybersecurity. This patent-protected, post-quantum cryptographic system is based on the Goppa Code-based cryptographic technology. It has embedded our proprietary subclass of (L, G) making it not only more secured but also has faster cryptographic operations (key generation, encryption, decryption) than the traditional Goppa Code-based technology (McEliece). We are offering a live demonstration for the general public to try and experience the strength of IronCAP™ post-quantum encryption easily. To learn more, visit www.ironcap.ca.

Quantum-1 (Mar 28 2023)

IBM’s Quantum Breakthrough: Condor and a Shift Towards Error-Resistant Computing

While this breakthrough represents a significant leap forward in computational power, it also poses challenges for traditional cryptographic systems – but don’t worry www.ironcap.ca has it covered!

Introduction:

IBM has reached a groundbreaking milestone in quantum computing with Condor, a quantum processor housing over 1,000 qubits. While this achievement represents a leap in computational power, IBM is also strategically shifting its focus to prioritize error resistance in quantum machines.

Condor’s Quantum Leap:

Unveiled on December 4th, Condor boasts 1,121 superconducting qubits arranged in a distinctive honeycomb pattern. This quantum processor builds on IBM’s previous achievements with machines like Eagle (127 qubits) and Osprey (433 qubits), tapping into quantum phenomena for unprecedented computational capabilities.

Addressing Quantum Errors:

Despite their potential, quantum states are delicate and prone to errors. IBM’s roadmap, which previously doubled qubit numbers annually, is now emphasizing the critical need for error correction in quantum computing. Introducing Heron, a chip with 133 qubits and a record-low error rate, IBM signals a commitment to overcoming quantum errors.

The Promise of qLDPC:

IBM researchers are exploring quantum low-density parity check (qLDPC) as an alternative error-correction scheme. This method aims to significantly reduce error rates, potentially allowing logical qubits to be created with fewer physical qubits. While optimism surrounds this approach, practical implementation with superconducting qubits remains a complex challenge.

Connectivity Challenges and Solutions:

Implementing qLDPC requires each qubit to be directly connected to at least six others, a challenge for traditional superconducting chips with fewer connections. IBM’s solution involves modifying the chip design to facilitate the additional connections required by the qLDPC scheme.

A New Quantum Roadmap:

IBM’s updated roadmap outlines a focus on achieving practical computations, such as simulating catalyst molecules, by the end of the decade. Despite acknowledged challenges, IBM Quantum’s Chief Technology Officer, Oliver Dial, expresses optimism about tangible progress towards realizing practical quantum computing.

Conclusion:

IBM’s Condor represents a significant stride in quantum computing, surpassing the 1,000 qubit milestone. The strategic shift towards error-resistant computing, coupled with innovations like Heron and exploration of qLDPC, signifies a maturation in quantum research. As IBM charts the course for practical quantum computations within the decade, the vision of quantum supremacy moves one step closer to reality.

IronCAP™ has an answer!

This significant milestone is a loud wakeup call to Q-Day – there is no time to wait! Organizations, especially those dealing with sensitive data and communications, should be proactive in adopting quantum-resistant encryption methods to safeguard their information against the potential threats posed by quantum computing advancements.

To learn more, visit www.ironcap.ca.

You need to act now!

We at IronCAP™ have been trying to educate businesses and individuals that Q-day (the day the first quantum hack is publicly recognized) is around the corner and everybody needs to gear up. Nation states and governments are already at it, how about you? To learn more, visit www.ironcap.ca.

IronCAP™ is our latest innovation for the post-quantum cybersecurity. This patent-protected, post-quantum cryptographic system is based on the Goppa Code-based cryptographic technology. It has embedded our proprietary subclass of (L, G) making it not only more secured but also has faster cryptographic operations (key generation, encryption, decryption) than the traditional Goppa Code-based technology (McEliece). We are offering a live demonstration for the general public to try and experience the strength of IronCAP™ post-quantum encryption easily. To learn more, visit www.ironcap.ca.