EY starts deploying Post-Quantum’s quantum-safe platform
Professional services firm EY has become the latest early adopter of post-quantum cryptography (PQC) solutions, choosing to deploy the Quantum-Safe platform of U.K.-based Post-Quantum in three of its international offices, with more to come.
The agreement provides access to the platform’s three interconnected modules, including Hybrid PQ VPN, a quantum-safe Virtual Private Network, which was discussed in a recent IQT story, and that protects data flowing across communications networks from attack by both quantum and classical computers. The other modules are Nomidio, a quantum-ready cloud service that allows users to securely log-on to websites, applications, contact centers and chatbots using voice, face and gesture biometrics; and PQ Chat, a quantum-safe mobile messaging app that secures message exchange from attack by both quantum and classical computers.
EY is deploying the Hybrid PQ VPN across its offices in Madrid, Sydney and Washington, D.C., with rollouts in London and New York also planned, as a method for securing data exchanged between its offices. The new VPN allows EY to combine any number of post-quantum algorithms with traditional encryption, ensuring compliance with global standards, according to a statement. This kind of “crypto-agility” has been touted by many companies in the quantum and cybersecurity sectors as important, in part because it means companies with PQC measures in place can interoperate by establishing secure connections with people outside their organizations, no matter which encryption algorithms they rely on.
José María Lucía Moreno, Lead Partner for Quantum Resistant and the EY wavespace innovation network, said, “Our agreement with Post-Quantum is an important step in supporting EY and its clients to become quantum-safe. We’re increasingly consulting with our clients to identify where they use traditional encryption that will need to be upgraded, and to help them prepare for the quantum era. Post-Quantum’s approach is particularly interesting because they have modular software-based products like the VPN, which can be implemented together or as standalones within existing environments to offer protection today.”
Andersen Cheng, Executive Chairman, Post-Quantum, who is speaking about cybersecurity at the upcoming IQT The Hague event, added, “The world is really waking up to the fact that organizations are already being hacked, and the data will be decrypted as quantum computers mature. It’s a ticking bomb and a huge liability. We’re pleased to be supporting a forward-thinking organization like EY, which has been taking the lead in this field for some time. While organizations complete their crypto audit phase it’s important to understand there are options like Hybrid PQ VPNs that can be deployed today to limit risk.”
Dan O’Shea has covered telecommunications and related topics including semiconductors, sensors, retail systems, digital payments and quantum computing/technology for over 25 years.
