Securing Data in the Quantum Era: From the Root of Trust to Protecting Ecosystems

With advancements in Quantum Computing, the security of our data relies heavily on robust cryptographic solutions.
Hardware Security Modules (HSMs) with integrated Post-Quantum Cryptographic (PQC) algorithms become center stage for securing data in the Quantum Computing Era. Besides providing PQC algorithms, HSMs also secure and automate key distribution for “complex to manage” stateful hash-based signature algorithms and provide hardware acceleration to meet modern applications’ cryptographic needs.
Taking those advancements as starting point, the talk will shift gear and explore how security systems, comprising of software and hardware, use Post Quantum primitives to secure their operation. Important systems include Key Management, PKI, and File & Folder Encryption. The role of each system in the security framework will be discussed, focusing on specific PQC requirements.
The talk continues to move to the solution level, and will provide insights and lessons learned for the needs and challenges of securing an inter-banking system, a project currently at the research stage.
By the end of the session, attendees will have a good overview on the capabilities of cryptographic components, how those capabilities can be used by security solutions and what is needed next, to secure whole “Ecosystems” against Quantum Computer attacks on today’s cryptography.
Nils Gerhardt - Chief Technology Officer at ‪@Utimaco‬