News

Terra Quantum Adds NIST-compliant FIPS Standards to OSS PQC Library

Written by Terra Quantum AG | Jul 30, 2024 3:32:50 PM
  • Terra Quantum releases key updates to open-source TQ42 Cryptography library, aligning with NIST FIPS standards for post-quantum cryptography and standing as one of the most comprehensive open-source PQC libraries available.

  • Key additions include ML-KEM for secure key establishment and ML-DSA for quantum-resistant digital signatures, and SLH-DSA for Stateless Hash-based signatures. Moreover, NIST has selected a 4th algorithm for future standardisation, which TQ42 Cryptography already includes: FN-DSA (Falcon).

  • These NIST-compliant implementations offer businesses a practical path to transition to quantum-resistant security measures with confidence in real-world performance.

 At Terra Quantum, we've always believed that the path to a secure quantum future is paved with rigorous standards. It's not just about innovation; it's about creating viable solutions that businesses can trust and implement with confidence.

Today, The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) announced the world’s first official post-quantum cryptography (PQC) standards, previously published as drafts and now officially finalized.

The publication of these post-quantum cryptography (PQC) standards marks a pivotal moment in cybersecurity. As quantum computers advance, they pose a significant threat to many of our current encryption methods. By standardizing PQC algorithms, NIST provides a roadmap for organizations worldwide to transition to quantum-resistant cryptographic systems. This standardization ensures interoperability, establishes a benchmark for security, and gives confidence to adopters that these methods have undergone rigorous evaluation by the global cryptographic community.

By aligning TQ42 Cryptography with these standards, we're ensuring that our users are equipped with cryptographic tools that are not only cutting-edge but also recognized and vetted by one of the world's leading authorities in technology standards.

Our Commitment to Standards

Our commitment to standards is the cornerstone of everything we do at Terra Quantum. This approach is evident across our entire product suite:

  • Terra Quantum Secure Network (TQSN): Our patented QKD protocol is breaking records in quantum-secure communication distances while adhering to ETSI and ITU standards.
  • Avalanche Breakdown: Our METAS-certified Quantum Random Number Generator meets the stringent NIST SP 800-90B requirements. 

We understand that for businesses to embrace the quantum future, they need solutions that are not just cutting-edge, but also compliant and practical. That's why we're excited to announce the latest upgrades to our open-source TQ42 Cryptography library, aligning with FIPS 203, 204, and 205 NIST standards. As of today, NIST has officially published these standards, and we're proud to announce that TQ42 Cryptography fully aligns with all three. This timely update positions our library as one of the most comprehensive and up-to-date post-quantum cryptography solutions available.

What's New in TQ42 Cryptography? 

Our newest feature release focuses on integrating FIPS-aligned post-quantum algorithms:

  1. ML-KEM (FIPS 203): A key encapsulation mechanism designed to establish shared secret keys securely over public channels, crucial for post-quantum encryption and authentication. Short for: Module-Lattice-Based Key-Encapsulation Mechanism Standard
  2. ML-DSA (FIPS 204): A digital signature algorithm that provides post-quantum authentication, integrity checking, and non-repudiation for critical data and communications. Short for: Module-Lattice-Based Digital Signature Standard
  3. SLH-DSA (FIPS 205): We've integrated this stateless hash-based digital signature algorithm, further expanding our quantum-resistant capabilities. Short for: Stateless Hash-Based Digital Signature, also known as Sphincs+

    In addition to the three published standards, NIST has selected a 4th algorithm for future standardization, which TQ42 Cryptography already includes: FN-DSA (Falcon)

Alignment with NIST Standards & Benchmarking

These implementations align directly with NIST's newly published Federal Information Processing Standards, ensuring that our library meets the most up-to-date requirements for post-quantum cryptography. By adopting these NIST-standardized algorithms, we're providing a practical path for businesses to transition to quantum-resistant security measures.

Our rigorous benchmarking and optimization processes ensure that these cutting-edge algorithms not only offer theoretical security but also deliver real-world performance. Whether you're in finance, healthcare, or government, these updates mean you can now build quantum-resistant applications with even greater confidence, knowing you're using algorithms vetted and standardized by NIST.

Looking Ahead 

At Terra Quantum, we're committed to staying at the forefront of post-quantum cryptography. We continuously update our library to match evolving NIST standards and industry needs. Our roadmap includes:

  • Adding AES GCM to provide both encryption and authentication
  • Developing iOS, Android, and Python wrappers to improve accessibility and integration
  • Enhancing our algorithms with support for true Quantum Entropy as a Service
  • Continuous refinement and optimization of implemented algorithms to ensure ongoing alignment with NIST standards and best practices.

These planned advancements will further enhance the security, versatility, and usability of our open-source TQ42 Cryptography library. Read more about the release and access our OSS library on Github.

This release marks a significant milestone in our journey to provide robust, standards-compliant post-quantum security solutions. By aligning closely with NIST standards, we're ensuring that businesses can confidently adopt post-quantum cryptography measures today, preparing for the challenges of tomorrow. 

Ready to quantum-proof your systems with NIST-aligned solutions? Contact our team to learn more about how TQ42 Cryptography can enhance your security posture in the quantum era.