Monthly Archives: March 2023

So what is the biggest cause of #Ransomware?

Deadly (Mar 29 2023)

Global Ransomware damage costs are predicted to exceed $265 Billion by 2031 (cybersecurityventures.com) Ransomware has been topping headline news on a daily basis and is becoming our No. 1 “cyber-enemy”. According to Harvard Business Review in May 2021, ransomware attacks were up 150% over the previous year. The amount paid by victims of these attacks increased more than 300% in 2020. This massive uptrend is further fuelled by accelerated digitalisation creating fertile soil for such attacks. The risk of data exposure will only grow given that remote workers’ personal devices are more vulnerable. According to the Cybercrime Magazine, ransomware damage costs are predicted to exceed USD265B annually and attacking a business, consumer, or device every 2 seconds by 203

Governments and critical infrastructure are not the only targets, ransomware attackers are less concerned about the industry and more focused on scope and scale. They go after large enterprise networks to secure the biggest possible ransom. Therefore, big enterprises e.g., banks, manufacturers and even high-tech companies and cybersecurity providers themselves are popular targets.

We believe enterprises should adopt a holistic approach, addressing the essential aspects including enhancing awareness and governance, while adopting suitable and robust technology solutions that best suit the technical environment that support the entity’s business operations. The adoption of true end-to-end encryption would be a key preventive measure, and leveraging the latest verifiable digital credentials would provide the average email user the means to verify the purported identity of the party sending the email.

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.

Chinese crypto scientists make breakthrough in #quantum error correction

Quantum-1 (Mar 28 2023)A game changer for #quantum error correction

Chinese researchers have made a significant advancement in the field of quantum error correction (QEC) using superconducting quantum circuits, advancing the science of quantum computing.

Although superconducting quantum circuit systems-based quantum information processing has advanced significantly in recent years, the error rate of quantum operations is still significantly higher than that of a classical computer, according to Xu Yuan, an assistant researcher at the Southern University of Science and Technology. As a result, QEC, which shields logical qubits from noise, is crucial.

By repeated real-time QEC, the team, led by Yu Dapeng, an academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), first extended the storage period of quantum information beyond the break-even threshold.
The results were released online in the journal Nature.

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.

Your #business needs to partner with #IronCAP

Rectangular (color with slogan)We can help vendors to become the First Movers of their respective solutions for the quantum computing era.

Combining many years of proven expertise in the field, IronCAP™‘s crypto-scientists have created an encryption technology that’s not only quantum-safe but also more efficient and safer than existing cryptography. It is built on the longest time-tested (almost 50 years) Goppa code-based theory recognized by the world of post-quantum cryptography. IronCAP™ has been endorsed by industry experts and proven “un-hackable” in multiple global hackathons.

IronCAP™‘s patent-protected post-quantum cryptography is designed to be used in all kinds of vertical solutions such as digital identity, email/file encryption, remote access/VPN, cloud storage, 5G/IoT, blockchains, financial transactions, etc. IronCAP™ lets you stay ahead of cyber threats today and in the quantum computing era.

To empower vendors to transform their applications or systems seamlessly to quantum-safe, IronCAP™ has developed an API that’s compliant with the PKCS#11 and OpenPGP (RfC4880) industry standard. It is available for all major operating systems: Microsoft Windows, Apple macOS, Linux, Android and Apple iOS.

Utilizing the IronCAP™ Toolkits, we have developed the industry’s first quantum-safe email encryption software, IronCAP X™ that everyone can use today on their classical computers. Besides setting a precedent for developing a practical solution using IronCAP™‘s post-quantum cryptography, we can also help vendors to become the First Movers of their respective solutions for the quantum computing era.

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.

Your email is at Risk

For newsletter banner - 8A Revolutionary Mobile Mailbox

Email is not inherently secure. It is possible for malicious actors to intercept and read email messages as they are being sent. However, there are steps that can be taken to help make email more secure, such as using encryption and authentication.

Unlike other mobile mailbox services, I’m InTouch GoMail does not store any message on your device for enhanced security. It simply mobilizes your Outlook and lets you keep all your inbound and outbound emails securely on your own computer. When sending emails from your mobile device you can insert attachments from your computer’s local/network drives or save inbound attachments in the same way without having to leave them on any third party’s cloud storage. Hence, it maximizes data security/privacy plus no third party storage fee.
With a smart notification feature, you can configure your I’m InTouch GoMail to receive real-time alerts at your mobile device when emails from certain pre-defined senders arrive at your Outlook. This means you will not be bothered by unimportant messages.
Before you can use I’m InTouch GoMail, you must first activate your Outlook computer to become I’m InTouch-enabled. The activation process is as easy as 1-2-3. Simply click here to create a Free Account. Then from the computer you wish to activate, go to www.imintouch.com. Login to the I’m InTouch account you have just created and follow the on-screen instructions to activate the Outlook computer.

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 Computers Can Easily Break Current Cryptography!

IDTheftQuantum computers possess the potential to be exponentially more powerful than traditional computers, and with that power comes the potential for misuse.

For example, quantum computers could easily be used to break encryption and other security protocols, allowing malicious actors to gain access to sensitive data and networks. Additionally, quantum computers could be used to create weapons of mass destruction, or to manipulate stock markets for ill–gotten gains.

The encryption algorithms we use today will take conventional computers hundreds of years to break.  With the much more powerful quantum computer, they can be broken within a few seconds. Quantum computing will render current encryption useless.  This can happen anytime and for all we know it may have already happened on a national level!  Think about this.  The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced on August 26th 2020 that they would spend $625 million on quantum advancements.  They have also awarded $115 million to Quantum Systems Accelerator (QSA), a new research center, to pioneer the development of quantum technologies for discovery science.  In 2021 Honeywell Quantum Solutions and Cambridge Quantum achieved a quantum volume of 1,024 and demonstrated real-time error correction, to a breakthrough algorithm that enables quantum machines to do more significant calculations with fewer qubits. The above-mentioned companies and government agencies are not the only ones.  There are several others pumping millions of dollars into the R&D of quantum computing.  It’s evident that the global quantum computing race has begun some time ago already and is advancing rapidly.

So, is your data safe?  Can your current encryption safeguard against quantum threats?  The answer is an obvious NO.  And here comes the SOLUTION – IronCAP™’s quantum-safe cryptography can provide that ultimate layer of protection to your data.

IronCAP™ is the SOLUTION for 3 main reasons:

  1. Its quantum-safe cryptography is designed to operate on current computers to protect against cyber threats from not only today’s computers but also tomorrow’s quantum computers
  2. Its breakthrough technology is patent protected and industry endorsed
  3. Its cryptography has been put to test in 2 global hackathons and proved unscathed

Industry leaders need to start migrating towards quantum-safe encryption now.  Cryptographic algorithm transitions take time and involve massive coordination effort across many stakeholders in different industries. By preparing now and adopting post-quantum cryptography solutions like IronCAP™ can ensure a more orderly, less costly, and modestly disruptive changeover.

IronCAP™‘s quantum-safe solution is readily available today. To learn more, visit www.ironcap.ca.

References:
DOE $115 million award for quantum lab.
DOE $625 million investment in quantum.

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.

01 Communique Releases World’s First Quantum-Safe Secure Remote Access

IIT BannerQuantum-Safe Secure Remote Access is here!

01 Communique Laboratory Inc. a first-to-market, enterprise level cybersecurity provider just upgraded its I’m InTouch remote access service – I’m InTouch v11. To maximize user protection, I’m InTouch v11 has 3 significant enhancements:

  • The communication session is encrypted using the Company’s Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC) engine, IronCAP™, making it safe from cyberattacks by bad actors including those using Quantum Computers.
  • Two-factor authentication (2FA) and MAC address restriction have been added ensuring only the intended user has access.
  • Adding security to ensure password safety.

Andrew Cheung, CEO of 01 Communique noted, “In the past, the communication session of remote access is prone to attacks by bad actors. I’m InTouch v11 is safe even in the post-quantum world. We have gone even further with additional security features, including a two-factor authentication process, MAC address restriction, and password security. We believe I’m InTouch v11 is the most secure remote access service on the market today.”

This announcement represents a giant leap forward in cybersecurity surrounding remote access. The arrival of a Quantum-safe remote access system provides far greater protection for users. Combining NIST-approved PQC algorithms with our patent-protected quantum-safe technology, remote access is just the beginning. It is one of the many vertical solutions that can be upgraded to become quantum-safe using IronCAPTM.
A free trial version of I’m InTouch v11 is available at: www.imintouch.com .

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.

There’s a major #threat we all face – and you may not even know about it yet.

Threat (Feb 10 2023)Quantum computers could be used to crack encryption codes that we use today to protect our data

Quantum computing threatens to undermine much of the security of the digital world that we have come to rely on, and if you haven’t already started planning ahead, your business will be at risk in the very near future. Fortunately, there’s still time—if you act now, you can ensure your business will be protected from quantum computing’s devastating effects by learning how to implement IronCAP Toolkits into your technology.

Today, quantum computing is still in its nascent stages, but experts predict it will take off within the next ten years. Quantum computers could be used to crack encryption codes that we use today to protect our data, including sensitive medical records, banking information and personal communications. However, with proper preparation and implementation, you can make sure your business is not left behind in this changing landscape of cyber-security threats. Read on to learn about how IronCAP’s advanced cybersecurity tools can help you prepare your business for the challenges of quantum computing and the future of online 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.

Building a Quantum-Safe Blockchain Today

Bitcoin-2 (May 11 2023)Quantum computing techniques will further expose the network to fraudsters and criminals.

Public-key cryptography is used to establish a distributed consensus of trust, which is essential for financial Blockchain solutions. While the chain itself is relatively secure, the “wallets” at the endpoints have already been demonstrated to be “hackable,” and quantum computing techniques will further expose the network to fraudsters and criminals.

In the near to medium future, emerging quantum computers aimed at conventional algorithms could disrupt existing digital security standards employing what is known as a storage attack. Storage attacks entail a hostile actor stealing from vulnerable blockchain addresses, such as ones in which the public key of the wallet is displayed on the public ledger.

Solana incident highlights blockchain vulnerabilities

Examining the impact of a recent incident affecting Solana, an increasingly popular blockchain, noted for its quick transactions, reveals the scope of the threat. During this security compromise, Solana users reported that cash was stolen from “hot” wallets connected to the internet. The loss is projected at approximately $8 million.

This hack only affected “hot” wallets, which are always linked to the internet and allow users to store and send tokens effortlessly. The nature of the breach is unknown; however industry professionals have noted that the transactions were correctly signed, indicating that the vulnerability could be a “supply chain attack” that compromised the private keys of users.

Quantum-safe wallets as a mitigation

The solution to the blockchain wallet vulnerabilities problem is to create quantum-safe crypto wallets secured by post-quantum cryptography (PQC) algorithm approved by NIST. On July 27, 2022, 01 Communique announced a Proof-of-Concept (“PoC”) for a quantum-safe blockchain which supports smart contracts while retaining ultra-fast throughput. The IronCAP solution comprises a quantum-safe wallet with QNT (“Quantum Native Token”) as the underlying “quantum-safe coins” running on Solana blockchain.

“We have incorporated our IronCAP into a wallet and, ensuring the endpoint is quantum safe. This technology is independent of the type of blockchain in use and can be easily adapted by other public blockchains such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, as well as private business blockchains,” said Andrew Cheung, CEO of 01 Communique, in a press release.

IronCAP technology is protected in the U.S.A. by its patent #11,271,715. A demo of the solution can be found at https://qnt-demo.ironcap.ca/.

How Thales Luna HSM integrates with IronCAP

Thales Luna Network Hardware Security Module together with the optional Luna Functionality Mode (FM) allows you to customize your Luna Network HSM’s functionality to suit the needs of your organization. Functionality Modules consist of your own custom-developed code, loaded and operating within the logical and physical confines of a Luna Network HSM. Custom functionality provided by these FMs can include:

  • new cryptographic algorithms, such as the post-quantum ones selected by NIST
  • security-sensitive code, isolated from the rest of the HSM environment
  • keys and critical parameters managed by the FM, independent from standard PKCS#11 objects, held in tamper-protected persistent storage

IronCAP FM for Luna HSM is designed to allow users of Thales Luna HSM, via industry standard of PKCS#11 interface, to seamlessly utilize IronCAP’s quantum-safe cryptographic functionalities such as key generation, digital signature, signature verification, encryption, decryption, etc. Users of Thales Luna HSMs can take full advantage of the benefits from both worlds allowing Luna HSM’s to safely store private keys while using IronCAP to achieve all the quantum-safety crypto operations.

IronCAP for Luna consists of two main components: IronCAP FM and IronCAP PKCS#11 interface.

  • IronCAP-FM resides in the Luna Network HSM. It contains the IronCAP library for post-quantum cryptography, serving as an extension to legacy cryptography support within the Luna FM.
  • IronCAP’s PKCS#11 interface resides in the client system. This provides an API to crypto functions: key generation, key import/export, data encryption and decryption, data signing and signature verification for both legacy mechanisms, as well as post-quantum mechanisms from IronCAP.

If you want to learn more about how Thales Luna HSM facilitate quantum-safe blockchain today, download the IronCAP case study.

Article by Robert Masterson | Senior Partner Marketing Manager
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