QuintessenceLabs, the Australian cybersecurity company whose products leverage quantum science as well as deep security expertise, has received global recognition for their game-changing cyber security systems. Their products include high speed random from a quantum source, powerful key and policy management with embedded secure key store, as well as flexible encryption modules for a range of applications. One of these encryption modules, qProtectTM, securely protects data even when it is in an uncontrolled environment, providing a much needed solution for sensitive data in exposed environments.
Most approaches that protect data on storage devices use strategies such as manual or physical zeroization and tamper proofing. However approaches are not fail safe; furthermore, once zeroized the data is permanently lost. In contrast, QuintessenceLabs’ qProtectTM uses one time pad encryption with a quantum generated true random key, and in-built “virtual zeroization” to secure the data without destroying it. ANU physics professor, Ping Koy Lam, touches on this one time pad encryption:
"A ‘one-time pad’ is made up of random numbers generated by lasers. As an encryption technique, this one-time pad only contains one code for each number. This renders any attempt by an attacker to reuse the code obsolete, even when a malicious attempt is made to cross-reference and figure connections between the characters and messages.”
This makes this type of encryption virtually unbreakable, as long as you can generate a large quantity of truly random numbers as keys, and prevent those keys from being accessed. These are challenges that QuintessenceLabs has cracked, both with their high speed true random number generator, and proprietary virtual zeroization technology that deletes the keys during the encryption process, for retrieval later in a secure location.
Not only can this form of technology be used by defense, government and banking, but also by journalists. If a journalist goes into a hostile environment and records sensitive information, they can use qProtectTM technology to protect their data. If their recording device is then confiscated, no information can be extracted. It is only when the encrypted data is transmitted or returned to headquarters that the information can be deciphered. In other words, it is as though there is a one-time key to unlock a very complex lock. The key can be stored remotely, so if the data stored is compromised, then the data is safe.
Features of qProtectTM include:
- Unbreakable one-time pad encryption using a quantum generated true random key.
- Key destruction during encryption: data and key are never co-located on the device.
- Data integrity: the data is safe from unauthorized access, but is not destroyed, and can be accessed by authorized personnel.
- Tamper-resistance: any attempts to modify the encrypted data will be visible upon decryption.
- Once encrypted, the data can be wirelessly transmitted or physically transported on the device without risk.
qProtectTM integrates QuintessenceLabs quantum random number generator and advanced key management capabilities to deliver ultimate data security to end users.
QuintessenceLabs has gained significant recognition with their SINET award for the world’s top emerging innovative companies. Watch Founder and CEO Vikram Sharma tell the story behind QuintessenceLabs below.
Read more about the “Unbreakable” Cyber Security Systems here.
Read more from Ping Koy Lam here.
Find more information on QuintessenceLabs' qProtectTM here.
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- Advanced Hardware Security Solutions (electronicdesign.com)