Latest news with #HQC
Techday NZ
23-07-2025
- Business
- Techday NZ
Fortinet adds quantum-safe encryption to FortiOS 7.6 update
Fortinet has announced enhancements to its FortiOS operating system that aim to protect organisations against potential threats posed by quantum computing to existing encryption standards. Quantum security risks The evolution of quantum computing has raised concerns among cybersecurity professionals and organisations responsible for sensitive data. Quantum computers, which utilise principles of quantum mechanics, are expected to process complex calculations significantly faster than current technology, making it feasible to break traditional encryption methods protecting network and user information. Industries such as telecommunications, financial services, government, and healthcare are seen as particularly at risk because they handle data that must remain confidential over many years. Some cybercriminals are already engaging in so-called "harvest-now, decrypt-later" attacks, where they collect encrypted data with the intention of decrypting it in the future as more powerful quantum computers become available. New capabilities in FortiOS Fortinet's latest FortiOS release, version 7.6, includes features intended to allow customers to deploy quantum-safe encryption methods and transition to post-quantum security environments. These features are integrated and available to users of FortiGate next-generation firewall and Fortinet Secure SD-WAN at no additional cost. The update includes support for post-quantum cryptography (PQC) methods such as National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)-approved algorithms like ML-KEM, as well as emerging algorithms BIKE, HQC, and Frodo. Quantum key distribution (QKD) support is also included, providing a method for securely exchanging encryption keys using quantum mechanics so that any attempts at eavesdropping can be detected. QKD support was initially introduced in FortiOS 7.4, allowing compatibility with various QKD technology providers through standardised interfaces. To improve overall resilience, the system allows for algorithm stacking – the use of multiple cryptographic algorithms in tandem. Other enhancements include a hybrid mode, where both conventional public-key cryptography and QKD can operate together, and an updated user interface to simplify the management of quantum-safe settings by network administrators. Industry perspective Michael Xie, Founder, President, and Chief Technology Officer at Fortinet, said, "At Fortinet, we're committed to arming customers with cutting-edge technology to protect against new and emerging threats. As quantum computing advances, organisations can trust Fortinet's technology innovation and leadership to safeguard their critical data and future-proof their infrastructures. Many enterprises are eager to take action to protect their networks from quantum-powered threats. That's why we've made cutting-edge, quantum-safe features available today for FortiGate next-generation firewall and Fortinet Secure SD-WAN customers, so they can confidently transition to post-quantum security." Deployment and future-proofing The approach of integrating both networking and security in one operating system allows Fortinet to deliver contemporaneous security updates, such as these new quantum-resistant capabilities. By deploying these features now, customers can address security needs prompted by developments in quantum technology while ensuring current performance levels are not impacted. The update is positioned as part of Fortinet's focus on providing practical tools for organisations managing sensitive or long-term data. The inclusion of PQC methods and QKD is intended to assist IT teams in preparing their infrastructure for future threats, rather than responding retroactively once quantum attacks become practical. With the rollout of FortiOS 7.6, organisations have access to quantum-safe encryption and key distribution options alongside the ability to stack algorithms for layered protection and migrate to hybrid or fully post-quantum environments as required. The user interface changes are intended to aid a smoother adoption process and reduce operational complexity for administrators. Fortinet's strategy continues to be rooted in the convergence of networking and security in a single platform, with updates such as the latest FortiOS release reflecting ongoing adjustments to emerging threat landscapes including the advent of quantum computing.
Scoop
10-06-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Commvault Boosts Quantum-Safe Encryption To Tackle Emerging Cyber Risks
Quantum computing will change everything we know about encryption and cyber defence, said Bill OConnell, Commvaults CSO. Our goal is to stay ahead of these shifts, giving customers the tools they need before threats materialize. Commvault has expanded its quantum-safe encryption toolkit, becoming one of the first major cyber resilience vendors to support the Hamming Quasi-Cyclic (HQC) algorithm—part of its broader strategy to protect against next-generation threats enabled by quantum computing. The company announced today that its Commvault Cloud platform now supports HQC, a NIST-recommended algorithm designed to address 'harvest now, decrypt later' risks. These involve adversaries capturing encrypted data today to decode it in the future, once quantum computing reaches sufficient maturity. 'Quantum computing will change everything we know about encryption and cyber defence,' said Bill O'Connell, Commvault's CSO. 'Our goal is to stay ahead of these shifts, giving customers the tools they need before threats materialize.' Commvault's commitment to post-quantum cryptography dates back to August 2024, when it introduced a crypto-agility framework and support for standards like CRYSTALS-Kyber and SPHINCS+. With today's additions, the company continues to set the pace in an increasingly urgent race. The update is especially relevant for sectors like healthcare and finance, where data must be protected for decades. Commvault's Risk Analysis tools help organizations pinpoint which data sets could benefit from quantum-safe encryption, making the transition easier through a simple checkbox interface. 'Quantum readiness has become a business imperative,' said IDC's Phil Goodwin. 'Commvault's leadership in this space positions it as a proactive player in data protection.' The PQC features are immediately available for all Commvault Cloud users on version CPR 2024 (11.36) and above.
Scoop
10-06-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Commvault Boosts Quantum-Safe Encryption To Tackle Emerging Cyber Risks
Commvault has expanded its quantum-safe encryption toolkit, becoming one of the first major cyber resilience vendors to support the Hamming Quasi-Cyclic (HQC) algorithm—part of its broader strategy to protect against next-generation threats enabled by quantum computing. The company announced today that its Commvault Cloud platform now supports HQC, a NIST-recommended algorithm designed to address 'harvest now, decrypt later' risks. These involve adversaries capturing encrypted data today to decode it in the future, once quantum computing reaches sufficient maturity. 'Quantum computing will change everything we know about encryption and cyber defence,' said Bill O'Connell, Commvault's CSO. 'Our goal is to stay ahead of these shifts, giving customers the tools they need before threats materialize.' Commvault's commitment to post-quantum cryptography dates back to August 2024, when it introduced a crypto-agility framework and support for standards like CRYSTALS-Kyber and SPHINCS+. With today's additions, the company continues to set the pace in an increasingly urgent race. The update is especially relevant for sectors like healthcare and finance, where data must be protected for decades. Commvault's Risk Analysis tools help organizations pinpoint which data sets could benefit from quantum-safe encryption, making the transition easier through a simple checkbox interface. 'Quantum readiness has become a business imperative,' said IDC's Phil Goodwin. 'Commvault's leadership in this space positions it as a proactive player in data protection.' The PQC features are immediately available for all Commvault Cloud users on version CPR 2024 (11.36) and above.
TECHx
29-03-2025
- Business
- TECHx
NIST Adds SandboxAQ's HQC to Post-Quantum Cryptography Standards
NIST Adds SandboxAQ's HQC to Post-Quantum Cryptography Standards SandboxAQ has announced that the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has selected HQC (Hamming Quasi-Cyclic) as the fifth algorithm in its suite of post-quantum cryptographic (PQC) standards. HQC, along with ML-KEM, will play a vital role in securing global communications, including the Internet, cellular networks, payment systems, and more. This is a significant milestone for SandboxAQ, marking its second major contribution to NIST's post-quantum standardization efforts. The selection of HQC reinforces the company's position at the forefront of quantum-resistant cryptography. HQC is a key encapsulation mechanism designed to safeguard the exchange of encryption keys against quantum threats. Unlike traditional encryption methods like RSA and elliptic-curve cryptography (ECC), which are vulnerable to quantum attacks, HQC is based on error-correcting codes, offering strong protection against future quantum decryption methods. NIST's final selection report highlights HQC for its security, computational efficiency, and scalability. These qualities make it suitable for widespread use in industries requiring robust encryption. Following multiple rounds of global cryptanalysis and peer review, HQC stood out as a reliable and secure solution. This achievement follows SandboxAQ's previous involvement with SPHINCS+, another PQC algorithm that NIST selected in 2022. With HQC now officially part of NIST's standards, SandboxAQ has contributed to two out of the five critical post-quantum protocols, further establishing its leadership in the cybersecurity space. HQC's development began in the early 2000s, and by the 2010s, SandboxAQ demonstrated that it solved a 40-year-old challenge in code-based key exchanges. Today, HQC is one of just two protocols that protect the confidentiality of nearly all global communications. SandboxAQ's work with NIST reflects the company's ongoing commitment to quantum-safe cryptography. According to Taher Elgamal, senior advisor at SandboxAQ, HQC provides strong protection against quantum decryption methods while maintaining efficiency for real-world applications. 'With both SPHINCS+ and HQC standardized by NIST, SandboxAQ is leading the way in developing PQC solutions for enterprises and governments,' Elgamal stated. Carlos Aguilar Melchor, Chief Cybersecurity Scientist at SandboxAQ, emphasized the importance of HQC in securing the future of global communications. 'HQC is a key part of the transition to a quantum-safe world, and its inclusion in NIST's standards is a win for global security,' he said. In addition to its contributions to cryptographic standards, SandboxAQ offers AQtive Guard, a cryptography management solution that provides real-time visibility and enhanced security. With its unique AI-driven approach, AQtive Guard helps organizations protect their systems against evolving quantum threats. As quantum computing advances, SandboxAQ remains committed to driving innovation in post-quantum cybersecurity and helping organizations stay prepared for the future of encryption.
