Category Archives: Cybersecurity

Is #RSA #Encryption vulnerable to #QuantumComputers?

Quantum (Mar 16 2023)
The robustness of RSA encryption has come under scrutiny

In the realm of digital security, encryption plays a vital role in safeguarding sensitive information. For decades, the RSA encryption algorithm has been widely used and trusted for its effectiveness. However, with the rise of quantum computers, the robustness of RSA encryption has come under scrutiny. In this blog post, we will explore the fundamentals of RSA encryption and discuss why it is vulnerable to quantum computing.

Understanding RSA Encryption:

RSA encryption, named after its inventors Ron Rivest, Adi Shamir, and Leonard Adleman, is a widely adopted public-key encryption algorithm. It relies on the difficulty of factoring large numbers into their prime factors. The security of RSA encryption is based on the assumption that factoring large numbers is a computationally intensive task for classical computers.

Quantum Computing Threat:

Quantum computers, utilizing the principles of quantum mechanics, have the potential to revolutionize computing power. One of their most significant threats to classical encryption algorithms lies in their ability to perform Shor’s algorithm efficiently. Shor’s algorithm can factor large numbers exponentially faster than classical algorithms, posing a significant risk to RSA encryption.

Breaking RSA with Quantum Computers:

In RSA encryption, the public key consists of a product of two large prime numbers, while the private key relies on the knowledge of the prime factors. Shor’s algorithm can factorize these large numbers efficiently, thus compromising the security of RSA encryption. As quantum computers advance in power, they will be capable of breaking RSA encryption with ease.

Post-Quantum Cryptography:

To combat the vulnerability of RSA encryption to quantum computers, researchers are actively developing post-quantum cryptographic algorithms. These algorithms aim to withstand attacks from both classical and quantum computers. Promising alternatives include lattice-based, code-based, and multivariate cryptography, among others. The transition from RSA to post-quantum algorithms will require a careful and coordinated effort from organizations and service providers.

Conclusion:

While RSA encryption has served as a robust cryptographic tool for several decades, the emergence of quantum computers poses a significant threat to its security. As the power of quantum computers continues to advance, the need for post-quantum cryptographic algorithms becomes increasingly urgent. Organizations and individuals must remain vigilant and proactive in adopting and implementing these new encryption methods to ensure the long-term security of their sensitive data in a quantum-powered future.

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.

#PostQuantum #IronCAP Toolkits now available – with NIST-approved PQC algorithms

IronCAPToolKits (May 18 2023)

Our IronCAP™ Toolkits can be used by vendors, for example, to build highly secure systems for blockchain security, IoT devices, data storage, remote access, encryption, digital signing, etc. Our NIST-approved post-quantum cryptography (PQC) technologies can protect our customers against ever-evolving illegitimate and malicious means of gaining access to their data, not only from computers today but also from quantum computers in the future. To ensure seamless integration, our IronCAP™ Toolkits is compliant with the OpenSSL, PKCS#11 and OpenPGP (RFC4880) industry standards.

Post-Quantum IronCAP™ Toolkits

Our IronCAP™ Toolkits allows vendors of a wide variety of vertical applications to easily transform their products to ensure safety against cyber attacks from not only the classical world of computers today but also against future attacks from quantum computers.

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.

Don’t Let Your #Email Be a Sitting Duck: The Dangers of Sending #UnencryptedEmails

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Email has become the primary mode of communication in the digital age, both for personal and professional purposes. However, with the ease and convenience of sending emails comes the risk of exposing sensitive information to cybercriminals. One of the most significant risks of sending emails is sending unencrypted emails, which can leave your information vulnerable to interception, theft, and misuse. In this blog, we will discuss the dangers of sending unencrypted emails and the steps you can take to protect your sensitive data.

Unencrypted emails are like postcards; anyone who intercepts them can read their contents without much effort. In contrast, encrypted emails are like sealed letters, which require a key to open and read. Unencrypted emails travel across multiple servers to reach their intended recipient, and each server has access to the email’s contents. Hackers can use several techniques to intercept unencrypted emails, including phishing scams, man-in-the-middle attacks, and email hijacking. Once they have access to your emails, they can steal sensitive information like passwords, bank account details, and other personal information.

The consequences of sending unencrypted emails can be severe. For instance, cybercriminals can use the information they obtain to commit identity theft, financial fraud, and even blackmail. Additionally, businesses that send unencrypted emails risk violating data privacy regulations, which can result in hefty fines and damage to their reputation.

To protect yourself and your business from the dangers of unencrypted emails, consider using email encryption software. Encryption software encrypts your emails, making it difficult for hackers to intercept and read their contents. Some email clients, such as Gmail and Outlook, offer built-in encryption features that you can enable. However, it’s worth noting that the recipient must also have encryption software installed for the email to remain encrypted.

Finally, sending unencrypted emails can leave your information exposed to cybercriminals and put your privacy and security at risk. By using email encryption software, you can protect your sensitive data and ensure that your emails remain private and secure. Remember, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure!

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.

The #quantumsecurity era is coming – here’s how to prepare for it

Quantum-2 (May 23 2023)

However, it also poses a significant threat to cybersecurity. With quantum computers, traditional encryption methods may become vulnerable, and sensitive data could be compromised. Therefore, it’s crucial for leaders to prepare for the quantum security era.

Firstly, leaders need to understand the potential implications of quantum computing on their organizations. They should assess which data and applications may be at risk, and the potential impact of a security breach. They must also consider the impact on their industry as a whole and stay updated on the latest developments in quantum technology.

Secondly, leaders should begin to explore quantum-resistant encryption methods. Post-quantum cryptography, which uses algorithms that are resistant to quantum attacks, is a promising solution. They can start by working with their IT teams and security experts to identify and prioritize areas that need to be strengthened, and invest in the necessary technology and infrastructure to implement these solutions.

Thirdly, leaders should consider partnering with experts in the field of quantum security. This includes collaborating with universities and research institutions that are at the forefront of quantum research. By working with experts, leaders can stay updated on the latest developments in the field and gain insights into how to implement quantum-resistant security measures.

Finally, leaders need to prioritize education and training for their employees. As quantum security measures become more widespread, it’s crucial that employees are trained on how to implement and use them effectively. This includes educating employees on the importance of strong passwords, two-factor authentication, and other security measures that can help protect sensitive data.

In conclusion, the quantum security era is approaching, and leaders must prepare to protect their organizations from potential threats. By understanding the implications of quantum computing, exploring quantum-resistant encryption methods, partnering with experts, and prioritizing education and training, leaders can safeguard their organizations and stay ahead of the curve in this rapidly evolving field.

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.

What if anyone could access your #bitcoinwallet?

Bitcoin (Apr 20 2023)

If the answer is yes, then that’s a game changer for #cryptocurrencies!

So how do you access a bitcoin wallet. Accessing a Bitcoin wallet requires issuing a transaction to move Bitcoin from the address at which it resides to a new address; to perform such a transaction, you need knowledge of the private key associated with the Bitcoin address. Looking at how the FBI retrieved the Bitcoin from the Colonial Pipeline Hackers, Joseph Steinberg makes the following comment …

“It is no secret that cryptocurrencies enable various types of criminal activity and facilitate money laundering and the unreported transfers of large sums of money; as a result, I have wondered for years if lawmakers and law enforcement seemingly “turning a blind eye” to much of the issue has not been the result of naiveite, but because governments have “back doors” into popular crypto networks; are various government bodies able to better trace transactions than is commonly believed, to exploit zero-day implementation vulnerabilities in the crypto networks themselves or in the communications infrastructure upon which the networks rely, or to crack private keys far faster than outsiders believe through the use of quantum computers more advanced than are publicly known to  exist? Could Satoshi Nakomoto even be some government agency somewhere? Whoever knows the answers to these questions will clearly not answer them to the public. (Of course, if the FBI has such capabilities, it would likely use them sparingly and ascribe any successes to other techniques – just as the Allies did not act on every piece of data obtained by hacking Enigma so as not to alert the Nazis to Enigma’s compromise.)”

Also, it’s not a secret that quantum computers will eventually be able to rapidly crack the asymmetric encryption that forms the heart of modern-day digital signatures, nor is it a secret that many blockchain implementations – including those utilized by several popular cryptocurrencies – rely on potentially quantum-vulnerable asymmetric encryption algorithms to establish and authenticate the “owners” of their respective per-ledge-address contents.

Cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and others are developed on blockchain technologies. Though advanced and sophisticated, the arrival of quantum computers are posing a serious threat to the security of blockchains. The only solution is to transition to quantum-safe blockchains utilizing post-quantum cryptography.

What is a quantum-safe blockchain? Well let’s run through the basics first. A blockchain is a database that is shared among the nodes of a computer network and stores data electronically. The jewel crown of this innovative blockchain technology is that it ensures the fidelity and security of a record of data which does not require a trusted third party.

Now that we know what blockchain truly means and how secure it is, we must also know that blockchain end points are vulnerable to quantum hacking. CISOs today and even blockchain experts are well aware of the fast-approaching quantum threats. The official Bitcoin website states that Bitcoin is vulnerable to quantum hacking just as most systems relying on cryptography in general are, including traditional banking systems. Some of the most recent hacks include $300M and $650M losses in cryptocurrencies that resulted from digital signature failures.

Besides cryptocurrency trading, the blockchain is a revolutionary technology that has many use cases. The blockchain is changing the face of businesses and governments today. It can be used for asset traceability, supply chain, trade payments, global payments, banking systems, voting and even digital identity. Using this very technology, new business models are evolving and disrupting the existing ones.

Just like all things on the internet, the blockchain requires security against quantum hacking. This is where IronCAP’s™ unique technology comes to use. We are developing the world’s first Quantum-Safe Blockchain designed for Tokens, NFTs, Smart Contracts for Metaverse, De-centralized Finance (DeFi) and more. This best-in-class quantum-safe blockchain can protect against cyber adversaries, including future quantum attacks. A revolutionary, state-of-the-art, quantum-safe blockchain has endless applications and use cases for every business.

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.

#IronCAP Completes PoC #QuantumSafe #Blockchain

Cryptocurrency (Apr 25 2023)


All the technical objectives necessary to integrate IronCAP™ into the Solana blockchain have been achieved!

Not just by providing a quantum-safe blockchain that supports smart contracts, but also retaining Solana’s ultra-fast throughput. “The technology we developed for this project is independent of the type of blockchain that is in use and as such it can be applied to not only the Solana blockchain but also other public blockchains such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, as well as most private business blockchains. The method of integration is unique and; therefore, we plan to file a patent application along with our partner, Talent Summit who has accepted and paid for the delivery of the Proof of Concept (“PoC”).  Our next step will be to create and demonstrate a quantum-safe wallet while Talent Summit will plan for commercial development and launching of QNT – Quantum Native Token,” said Andrew Cheung, President and CEO of 01 Communique.

As previously announced, the Company was commissioned to develop the World’s First Quantum-Safe Blockchain designed for Tokens, NFTs, Smart Contracts for the Metaverse, De-centralized Finance (DeFi). It is expected that this quantum-safe blockchain will be resilient against cyber-attacks, including attacks from Quantum Computers.

“Unfortunately, virtually all blockchains in the world today are vulnerable to quantum computer attacks.  Since blockchain data is meant to be “forever” it is imperative that it is quantum-safe.  This PoC achievement is a very significant milestone and demonstrates our IronCAP™ technology can transform existing blockchains into a quantum-safe version that can be incorporated in Tokens, NFTs, Smart Contracts for Metaverse, DeFi, and more”, said Andrew Cheung.

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.

#01Communique Announces Receipt of a Notice of Allowance from the USPTO for its #QuantumSafe #Wallet Patent Application

Patented-lores01 Communique Laboratory Inc. is pleased to announce that the United States Patent and Trademark Office has allowed the issuance of a patent related to its blockchain endpoints protection technology.

The Company has received aNotice of Allowance from the USPTO stating that its patent application (application no. 17/972,815) for its blockchain endpoint protection technology has been examined, prosecution is now closed and it is allowed for issuance as a patent.

Quoting Andrew Cheung, CEO, “The endpoints in a blockchain are the weakest link in the system and current wallets are vulnerable to quantum computer attacks. As previously announced, using the technology embodied in this patent we have conducted intensive R&D using Solana as the sandbox and successfully created a quantum-safe blockchain with digital wallets that ensure these endpoints are safe from attacks by bad actors using either conventional computers or quantum computers. The uniqueness of our invention is further verified by the issuance of a patent.  It is inevitable that all blockchains must become quantum-safe to prevent disaster.  I believe our invention is an important milestone for the blockchain world’s security in this post-quantum computing era.”

The patent provides for blockchain endpoint protection, hence creating quantum-safe wallets. Quantum security may be enhanced through the use of quantum-safe validators for transactions whereby the quantum-safe validators process quantum-safe addresses and signatures of parties to the transactions. Quantum safety may be added to conventional blockchain transactions, for example, via smart contracts which are executed using cryptographic interlocks to between conventional smart contract execution engines and quantum-safe validators to ensure both quantum-safe processing of addresses and signatures and legitimacy of quantum-safe validators in presenting transactions for incorporation on the chain.

A demonstration of our quantum-safe blockchain and wallets is available at: https://qnt-demo.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.

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.