After 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.