Crypta Labs & SQR partner to Fund Durham University Post Quantum research.

London UK – 18th October 2019 – Crypta Labs, SQR Systems and Durham University are set to fund research into quantum-secure encryption algorithms to secure critical infrastructure including medical equipment, connected vehicles and other industrial IoT. Quantum computers present exciting opportunities to harness incredible amounts of computing power to solve some of the toughest challenges in computing, but they also represent a major threat to security as most forms of traditional encryption could be easily broken.

This collaboration will research methods of speeding up five post quantum encryption algorithms (NTRU, New Hope, FRODO, Rainbow and SPHINCS) that are finalist candidates for NIST as post-quantum algorithms.

The goal of the research is to improve post-quantum algorithms to make them more practical for use in encryption of communications for mobile and IoT devices. With the growth of the Internet of Things, there is a huge amount of data that could be vulnerable in mission critical devices that must be future proof against the advent of a quantum computer. This opens the possibility of systematic large-scale loss of privacy and highly sensitive data as well as potentially fatal consequences from a threat actor being able to commandeer control over communications networks and infrastructure.  As a result, there is a need to replace traditional encryption protocols such as RSA and Elliptic Curve Cryptography (ECC) with a more efficient quantum-safe solution.

The research will be conducted at Durham University over a three-year period via a PhD sponsorship with contributions from Crypta Labs and SQR Systems in terms of funding and access to industry resources and expertise in practical implementation of post-quantum algorithms.  

Joe Luong, CEO of Crypta Labs states:

The advent of quantum computing presents the possibility of cracking encryption in seconds or minutes rather than months or years. It is significantly important that our encryption algorithms evolve to protect our data from quantum computer attacks and can be implemented on all devices requiring encryption. This research is important to ensuring that post-quantum algorithms are just as effective at protecting end-point security devices as they are at protecting a main frame server which is not subject to performance constraints and requirements.

Nithin Thomas, CEO of SQR Systems:

With so much data being generated, we are all leaving a permanent digital footprint that has considerable value for years to come. This research is vital to developing systems that can protect our data against evolving threats in the digital world for decades into the future.

About Crypta Labs:

Crypta Labs is a quantum cybersecurity company which develops IP, hardware and related software using the quantum properties of light to secure highly critical data and communication devices embedded in critical infrastructure for the aerospace, communication, medical, military, and transport sectors.

One of its first commercial applications is for connected automotive applications as part of the Czech Republic C-Roads, where Crypta Labs is deploying its Hardware Security Module to meet the increased security requirements demanded for securing tomorrow’s Connected & Autonomous Vehicles and Smart Roads Infrastructure. https://www.cryptalabs.com/about

For more information contact: [email protected]

About SQR Systems:

SQR Systems is a software company developing secure communications for mobile and IoT applications. The current team has a strong track record as technologists and operators with deep domain expertise in cyber security from many years in leadership positions in the highest levels of government and industry. The company has a breadth of experience including: commercialising cutting edge research, operational and corporate finance, technology consultancy and project management and government partnering with the private sector. The company has a proven track record working with defence & national security, financial services, healthcare and other highly regulated environments that handle sensitive data. https://www.sqrsystems.com