Quantum Computing Advancements Highlight the Critical Need for Post-Quantum Security Solutions

Cybersecurity

Banner-2Recent developments in the quantum computing space have underscored the growing importance of post-quantum cryptography (PQC) solutions. Last week, Quantinuum, a global leader in quantum computing, announced its collaboration with NVIDIA as a founding partner for the NVIDIA Accelerated Quantum Research Center (NVAQC). This partnership will leverage Quantinuum’s System H2, currently the world’s most powerful quantum computer with a Quantum Volume of over 2 million—orders of magnitude greater than its closest competitor.

As quantum computing continues to advance at an accelerated pace, with Quantinuum planning to launch a 100-logical-qubit system by 2027 and commercially scalable quantum computers with hundreds of logical qubits by the end of the decade, the need for robust post-quantum security solutions becomes increasingly critical.

01 Communique: Pioneering Post-Quantum Cryptography Since 1992

As a technology pioneer established in 1992, 01 Communique (TSX-V: ONE; OTC Pink: OONEF) has consistently positioned itself at the forefront of technological innovation. Under the leadership of founder, President, and CEO Andrew Cheung, the company has evolved from its early days developing fax and communication software to becoming a leader in post-quantum cybersecurity solutions.

“These recent advancements in quantum computing have reignited the discussion around the safety of traditional encryption,” noted Andrew Cheung. “We at 01 Communique have always believed the quantum threat is real, spending the past several years and millions of dollars developing PQC-compliant products.”

Securing Blockchain and Cryptocurrency with Post-Quantum Cryptography

01 Communique’s technologies have incorporated PQC algorithms endorsed by the US National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) as their latest FIPS-203, FIPS-204, and FIPS-205. These algorithms have been integrated into various applications, including email encryption and remote access solutions.

Most significantly, 01 Communique recognized early on that cryptocurrencies would be vulnerable to attacks from quantum computers and has been developing solutions since 2022. The company has already completed a testnet of PQC-compliant Solana (SOL) blockchain.

“Our PQC-compliant Solana project resulted in us receiving a US Patent (Pat #11,669,833) for a technology invented that can turn any existing cryptocurrency into becoming PQC-compliant,” explains Cheung. “Today it is our belief there is heightened concern around the importance of PQC as well the growing popularity and acceptance of cryptocurrencies. We believe our technology is the ideal solution to be incorporated with cryptocurrencies to help alleviate concerns over the security of cryptocurrencies with respect to quantum computers.”

The IronCAP™ Advantage

01 Communique provides the IronCAP™ cryptographic engine to businesses of all sizes, allowing them to easily transform their systems to withstand potential cyberattacks from quantum computers. The company also offers vertical solutions utilizing its IronCAP cryptographic engine to ensure quantum safety.

IronCAP X™, the world’s first quantum-safe end-to-end email encryption solution, is designed for ultimate email privacy while ensuring sender authenticity to eliminate phishing. These innovations are protected by a number of patents in various countries, including US Patent #11,271,715 and #11,669,833.

Looking Ahead: Expanding into AI and Messaging

Looking to the future, 01 Communique plans to expand into PQC-compliant AI Platform as well as a true end-to-end messaging platform. As the quantum computing landscape evolves with announcements like Google Quantum AI’s Willow quantum chip, which demonstrates significant improvements in error correction and scalability, 01 Communique remains committed to developing technologies designed to withstand the computational power of quantum computers.

In an increasingly remote work environment, 01 Communique continues to provide cost-effective and reliable solutions that give businesses and consumers secure, anytime, anywhere remote access to information stored on their desktop computers, all protected by their cutting-edge post-quantum cryptography.

To learn more about 01 Communique’s post-quantum cryptography solutions, visit www.ironcap.ca and www.01com.com.

Hacker (Mar 22 2023)

North Korean Hackers Steal Record $1.5 Billion in Crypto: Why Post-Quantum Cryptography is More Critical Than Ever

AI, Cybersecurity

At 01 Communique, we’ve been at the forefront of cybersecurity innovation since our founding in 1992. Today, I want to discuss a recent development that underscores the critical importance of our work in post-quantum cryptography.

The Largest Crypto Heist in History

The FBI has confirmed that North Korea was behind what is being described as the biggest heist in history – the theft of approximately $1.5 billion in virtual assets from ByBit, a Dubai-based cryptocurrency exchange. This surpasses the previous record of $1 billion stolen by Saddam Hussein from Iraq’s central bank before the 2003 war.

According to the FBI, North Korean hackers (operating under what they term “TraderTraitor”) have already begun converting some of the stolen assets to bitcoin and dispersing them across thousands of addresses on multiple blockchains. This is part of their strategy to launder these assets before eventually converting them to fiat currency.

North Korea’s Growing Cyber Capabilities

This latest theft is not an isolated incident. The notorious Lazarus Group, North Korea’s sophisticated cybercrime unit, stole more than $1.3 billion in cryptocurrency in 2024 across 47 incidents – nearly double the $660 million seized in 2023. These funds are believed to directly finance the regime’s nuclear and ballistic missile programs.

As blockchain analysis firm Chainalysis noted, these hackers “have become notorious for their sophisticated and relentless tradecraft, often employing advanced malware, social engineering, and cryptocurrency theft.”

The Quantum Threat Looms Larger

While these attacks are alarming on their own, they represent just the beginning of what could become a much more serious threat landscape. As we noted in our December 16, 2024 press release, recent advancements in quantum computing – such as Google Quantum AI’s Willow quantum chip – demonstrate significant improvements in error correction and scalability.

These developments bring us closer to the day when quantum computers will be able to break traditional cryptographic protections. When that happens, not only cryptocurrencies but virtually all digital security systems will be vulnerable.

01 Communique’s Post-Quantum Solution

At 01 Communique, we’ve invested years and millions of dollars developing post-quantum cryptography (PQC) solutions precisely because we recognized this threat early. Our technologies incorporate PQC algorithms endorsed by the US National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) as their latest FIPS-203, FIPS-204, and FIPS-205 standards.

We’ve already integrated these advanced protections into various applications, including our email encryption and remote access solutions. But perhaps most relevant to today’s news is our work on cryptocurrency security.

Since 2022, we’ve been developing PQC-compliant blockchain solutions, recognizing that cryptocurrencies would be particularly vulnerable to quantum computing attacks. We’ve completed a PQC-compliant Solana (SOL) L1 blockchain with expectations of completing commercialization in 2025.

Most significantly, we hold US Patent #11,669,833 for technology that can transform any existing cryptocurrency to become PQC-compliant – a solution that directly addresses the vulnerability exposed by the ByBit hack.

The Path Forward

As quantum computing advances and cybercriminals grow more sophisticated, the need for quantum-resistant security solutions becomes increasingly urgent. The ByBit hack demonstrates that even today’s most advanced conventional security measures can be overcome.

We believe that post-quantum cryptography is not just a future requirement but a present necessity. Our IronCAP™ cryptographic engine enables businesses of all sizes to transform their systems to withstand potential attacks from both classical and quantum computers.

For cryptocurrency exchanges, investors, and the broader blockchain ecosystem, adopting PQC solutions now is a proactive step that could prevent the next billion-dollar heist.

01 Communique (TSX-V: ONE; OTC Pink Sheets: OONEF) is a pioneer in post-quantum cybersecurity with its IronCAP™ product line. For more information, visit www.ironcap.ca and www.01com.com.

Disclaimer: This blog post contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially from those discussed in this post.

Microsoft’s Quantum Computing Breakthrough: A Game-Changing Path to Practical Quantum Computers

Cybersecurity, IronCAP

In a groundbreaking announcement that could reshape the future of computing, Microsoft has unveiled its new Majorana 1 chip, marking what might be a pivotal moment in the race to create practical quantum computers.

While many experts have long believed that useful quantum computers were decades away, Microsoft’s latest innovation suggests we might see them “in years, not decades.”

The Promise of Quantum Computing

Before diving into Microsoft’s breakthrough, let’s understand why quantum computing has generated so much excitement. Unlike classical computers that power our phones and laptops, quantum computers leverage the principles of particle physics to solve problems that would be practically impossible for traditional computers to tackle. This capability could revolutionize fields like medicine, chemistry, and materials science, potentially leading to breakthrough discoveries in drug development and battery technology.

Microsoft’s Novel Approach

What makes Microsoft’s announcement particularly interesting is their unique approach to quantum computing. While competitors have been making steady progress along conventional paths (like Google’s recent “Willow” announcement), Microsoft took a different route – one they themselves described as “high-risk, high-reward.”

The cornerstone of their innovation is the development of a “topoconductor,” based on an entirely new material. This breakthrough enables the creation of a new state of matter – a “topological state” that exists beyond the familiar states of gas, liquid, and solid. Until recently, this state had been purely theoretical.

The Majorana 1 Chip

The new Majorana 1 chip represents the practical implementation of this theoretical breakthrough. While the current version contains eight topological qubits – fewer than some competitor chips – Microsoft claims to have identified a clear path to scaling up to a million qubits. If achieved, this would represent an unprecedented level of quantum computing power.

This scalability is particularly significant because it addresses one of quantum computing’s biggest challenges: the inherent instability of qubits. Traditional qubits, while incredibly fast, are notoriously difficult to control and prone to errors. Microsoft’s topological approach might offer a more stable and scalable solution.

Expert Perspectives

The scientific community has responded to Microsoft’s announcement with cautious optimism. Professor Paul Stevenson from Surrey University acknowledges it as a “significant step” while emphasizing the need to see the next development phases before drawing definitive conclusions. Similarly, Professor Chris Heunen from the University of Edinburgh describes Microsoft’s plans as “credible” but notes that the coming years will be crucial in proving whether this exciting roadmap can be realized.

Looking Ahead

Microsoft’s comparison of their topoconductor to the revolutionary role semiconductors played in computing history is bold but intriguing. Just as semiconductors enabled the development of today’s smartphones and computers, topoconductors might pave the way for a new era of quantum systems.

The contrast with other industry perspectives is striking. For instance, Nvidia’s CEO Jensen Huang recently suggested that “very useful” quantum computing was still 20 years away. Microsoft’s breakthrough might challenge such conservative timelines, potentially accelerating the quantum computing revolution.

The Bottom Line

While it’s important to maintain a balanced perspective – as the path from prototype to practical application often holds unexpected challenges – Microsoft’s breakthrough represents a potentially transformative moment in quantum computing. The coming years will be crucial in determining whether this new approach can deliver on its promise of bringing practical quantum computing within reach sooner than previously thought possible.

What’s clear is that the quantum computing race has entered an exciting new phase. Whether Microsoft’s bet on topological quantum computing pays off or not, their innovation has already expanded our understanding of what’s possible in this revolutionary field.

This blog post is based on Microsoft’s announcement from February 19, 2025, and includes insights from various quantum computing experts in the field.

DeepSeek’s Rise: A Wake-Up Call for Quantum Preparedness

Cybersecurity, IronCAP

The tech world was stunned this January when DeepSeek, a Chinese AI startup, seemingly emerged from nowhere to challenge Silicon Valley’s giants. Their AI model, built at a fraction of the cost of competitors like OpenAI, sent shockwaves through the market, wiping nearly $600 billion from Nvidia’s market value in a single day. This watershed moment carries a crucial lesson about the nature of technological disruption – one that’s particularly relevant to the field of quantum computing.

The DeepSeek Parallel

What makes the DeepSeek story so compelling isn’t just its technical achievement, but how it caught the established tech world off guard. Despite export controls on advanced chips and the conventional wisdom about the massive resources needed for AI development, DeepSeek demonstrated that innovation can find unexpected paths forward. Their success challenged fundamental assumptions about what was possible and how it could be achieved.

The Quantum Warning

This is precisely the scenario that Andrew Cheung, CEO of 01 Communique, has been warning about in the quantum computing space. “We at 01 Communique have always believed the quantum threat is real,” Cheung recently stated, emphasizing the company’s years-long investment in post-quantum cryptography (PQC) solutions.

The parallel is clear: Just as DeepSeek upended assumptions about AI development, a quantum computing breakthrough could arrive sooner and more unexpectedly than many anticipate. Imagine waking up to headlines announcing a Chinese startup has achieved 4,000 stable qubits – instantly rendering current cryptographic systems vulnerable. This isn’t science fiction; it’s a scenario that cybersecurity experts need to prepare for.

The Race Against Time

The DeepSeek story demonstrates how rapidly technological landscapes can shift. In the quantum computing realm, such a shift would have far more serious implications. Current encryption methods protecting everything from financial transactions to national security communications could become vulnerable overnight. This is what experts refer to as “Q-Day” – the moment quantum computers become capable of breaking traditional cryptography.

Preparing for the Inevitable

This is why 01 Communique’s focus on post-quantum cryptography is so timely. The company’s IronCAP™ technology, which incorporates NIST-approved PQC algorithms, is designed to protect against quantum computer attacks before they become a reality. Their recent work on PQC-compliant blockchain and cryptocurrency solutions shows foresight in protecting emerging technologies against future quantum threats.

Learning from DeepSeek

The DeepSeek phenomenon teaches us several crucial lessons:

  1. Technological breakthroughs can come from unexpected sources
  2. Progress can happen faster than conventional wisdom suggests
  3. Waiting for the threat to materialize before preparing is a dangerous strategy

The Path Forward

The time to prepare for quantum threats is now, not after a breakthrough is announced. Organizations need to begin implementing quantum-safe security measures today, following the lead of forward-thinking companies like 01 Communique. The alternative – waiting until a quantum computing breakthrough is announced – could leave critical systems vulnerable during the scramble to upgrade security infrastructure.

Conclusion

DeepSeek’s emergence serves as a powerful reminder that technological disruption often arrives sooner and more dramatically than expected. In the quantum computing space, where the stakes are even higher, this lesson is particularly crucial. The question isn’t if quantum computers will break current encryption methods, but when – and as DeepSeek has shown us, that “when” might be sooner than we think.

The message is clear: Don’t wait for the quantum computing equivalent of DeepSeek to make headlines. The time to prepare is now.

01 Communique Partners up with Real Matter to Advance Quantum-Safe Blockchain

Cybersecurity, IronCAP

In a strategic move 01 Communique has partnered with Hong Kong-based Real Matter Technology Company to bring quantum-safe security solutions to  fintech and virtual asset sectors in Hong Kong and Greater China.

A Partnership for the Quantum Era

Real Matter, known for its expertise in KYC/AML-compliant blockchain solutions and quantum-safe chip technology, will incorporate IronCAP™ post-quantum cryptography (PQC) technology  targeting banks and Virtual Asset Service Providers (VASPs), selling via roadshows, HK Science Park seminars, and demonstrations within the HKMA Sandbox.

Technology That Sets New Standards

This recognizes IronCAP’s superiority in  quantum computing security. Ming-lam Ng, CEO of Real Matter, praised IronCAP’s technology, which is completely NIST compliant and  exclusive HSM (Hardware Security Module) technology that sets new market benchmarks.

Strategic Market Expansion

01 Communique, is a 30 year old Canadian company with a history of technological innovation, is significantly expanding  into one of the world’s most dynamic financial markets in . regions that are increasingly focused on advanced financial technology and security.

Preparing for Tomorrow’s Challenges

This is critical- the financial sector is grappling with the future impact of quantum computing on current security systems.  Real Matter’s expertise in blockchain solutions and crypto-OTC trading platforms combined with 01 Communique’s advanced PQC technology, createa a resilient infrastructure for the quantum computing era.

A Major step toward the next generation of financial technology whichmust l be built to withstand future quantum computing attacks. As digital transformation speeds up, this will play a critical role in renovating the security for future financial systems- quantum-safe security solutions that are both cutting-edge and compliant with current regulations.

 

The future of financial security is being built today, with quantum resilience at its core.

Pioneering Post-Quantum Security: Three Decades of Technology Innovation

Cybersecurity, IronCAP

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

Cybersecurity, IronCAP

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

Cybersecurity

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

Cybersecurity

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

Cybersecurity

For newsletter banner - 8

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.