PRIM’X is tackling the quantum threat within the HYPERFORM consortium
PRIM’X is joining forces with seven other French cybersecurity leaders to form the HYPERFORM consortium, one of five research projects funded by France 2030 and the European Union.
Their goal is to develop solutions capable of protecting sensitive data from potential attacks coming from – or using – quantum computers.
PRIM’X brings to the project a concrete use case: the immediate and long-term protection of sensitive information, to prevent data theft today that could be decrypted later when quantum computers become powerful enough.
In practical terms, PRIM’X is responsible for developing two platforms that will validate the architectural choices:
- A demonstrator integrating enhancements of ZONECENTRAL and protecting data across different workspaces (workstations and shared servers);
- A demonstrator integrating enhancements of ZED! to enable encryption of exchanges.
At the end of the project, once validated, these architecture choices will be implemented across other PRIM’X products.
The post-quantum world is currently undergoing standardization and remains exposed to potential discoveries that would challenge the security of proposed algorithms:
- The demonstrators will therefore implement the ANSSI’s recommendations by adopting hybrid cryptographic mechanisms, combining classical and post-quantum algorithms, to ensure a high level of security against current attacks while guaranteeing long-term protection.
- The demonstrators will implement two families of post-quantum algorithms and will be able to quickly switch from one family to another to simulate a threat against one algorithm (crypto agility).
PRIM’X will rely on the work of its project partners:
- IDEMIA develops the hardware component (USB key) that protects the new post-quantum keys (in collaboration with the CEA LETI for the security assessment of the component).
- CRYPTONEXT provides the cryptographic software library.
- INRIA conducts mathematical research on hybridization techniques.
- SYNAKTIV provides the expertise required to conduct security evaluations of the demonstrators (ATEMPO also develops a demonstrator for long-term archiving).
- ANSSI provides algorithmic expertise and will play a key role in guiding the project’s strategic direction.
For PRIM’X, the ultimate goal is to develop operational demonstrators in terms of both architecture and security, in order to turn them into finished products, ready for ANSSI certification and market deployment.
Contacts : business@primx.eu , jose.lavancier@primx.eu
