DigiCert, Gemalto and ISARA are joining hands to strengthen the security of internet of things (IoT) devices as quantum computing becomes more widespread.
IoT is one of the hottest technology today that is digitally connecting the human beings with almost everything.
Currently, most of the IoT devices leverage RSA and ECC cryptography for protecting confidentiality, integrity and authenticity of electronic communication. However, the security community predicts that large-scale quantum computing will break RSA and ECC public key cryptography within next ten years.
Hence, as the quantum computing becomes more prevalent, it will become difficult for enterprises to secure the connected devices. It will require expensive and scalable security practices to protect the IoT devices against security threats.
“DigiCert, Gemalto and ISARA are collaborating today to solve tomorrow’s problem of defending connected devices and their networks against the new security threats that the implementation of quantum computers will unleash,” says Deepika Chauhan, Executive VP of Emerging Markets at DigiCert.
“The work we’re doing now will ensure that the connected systems that serve as the brains of automobiles, industrial control systems, medical devices, nuclear power plants and other critical infrastructure are safe from those threats in five, 10 and 20 years.”
DigiCert is a leading provider of scalable public key infrastructure (PKI) solutions for identity and encryption. Gemalto is a pioneer in digital security, whereas, ISARA is a leader in quantum-safe security solutions.
Together, these companies will develop advanced quantum-safe digital certificates and secure key management to secure the future of IoT.
“Gemalto’s SafeNet Hardware Security Modules act as the root of trust to secure the most sensitive data and applications and protect billions of the digital transactions every day around the world,” said Todd Moore, Senior Vice President for Encryption Products at Gemalto.
“This partnership with DigiCert and ISARA will help organizations build secure and future-proof cryptographic operations that can guard against the potential security threats of quantum computing and ensure a more secure world for connected automobiles, devices, machines, smart cities and mission-critical infrastructure.”
DigiCert, Gemalto and ISARA will work on enabling quantum-resistant certificates which will have capability of hosted, on-premises, as well as hybrid deployment options. The certificates developed will be enabled with quantum-safe cryptography, ahead of the innovations that might lead to quantum computing threatening connected device security, the companies said.
Enterprises will be able to cost-effectively deploy these solutions at any scale. Further, these companies will provide solutions and tools to manufacturers of IoT devices to remain prepared for quantum threats. The goal is to keep the sensitive information and high-value assets safe.
“Experts estimate that the dawn of large-scale quantum computing will arrive in the next eight to 10 years, bringing with it the moment when all current public key cryptography can no longer be trusted,” says Scott Totzke, CEO & Co-founder at ISARA.
“The work we’re doing today ensures that a fundamental element of the security stack, root certificates, is secure by embedding quantum-safe cryptography. This means that IoT manufacturers and other large organizations will have the solutions and tools they need to prepare for the quantum threat well in advance of that date, keeping confidential information and high-value assets safe.”
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DigiCert, Gemalto and ISARA will also team up with other industry leaders working towards the advancement of post-quantum cryptography, like IETF (Internet Engineering Task Force), to advance the use of quantum-proof certificates.
