QuSecure's QuProtect Software Chosen by U.S. Air Force for Quantum-Resilient Cybersecurity

QuSecure's QuProtect Software Chosen by U.S. Air Force for Quantum-Resilient Cybersecurity
by Clarence Oxford
Los Angeles CA (SPX) Jan 19, 2024

QuSecure, Inc., a prominent player in the realm of post-quantum cryptography (PQC), has recently announced securing a significant Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) contract awarded by AFWERX, with the goal of tackling pressing cybersecurity challenges within the Department of the Air Force (DAF). This move signifies a substantial step in bolstering national defense capabilities against emerging quantum threats.

Under this contract, DAF will incorporate QuSecure's QuProtect, touted as the industry's first end-to-end PQC software-based solution. QuProtect is distinctively designed to safeguard encrypted communications and data, utilizing quantum secure channels to ensure resilience against potential quantum computing threats.

The collaboration between the Air Force Research Laboratory and AFWERX in streamlining the SBIR and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) processes has been pivotal. This effort has led to accelerated proposal-to-award timelines, broadened applicant pools by extending opportunities to small businesses, and reduced bureaucratic overhead through continuous process improvements in contract execution. QuSecure's latest accomplishment with the Air Force follows its earlier Phase II SBIR award from the U.S. Army in 2023 and a Phase III SBIR contract from the U.S. Government in 2022, marking a consistent recognition of its contributions to national cybersecurity.

Garrison Buss, QuSecure Co-Founder and Chief Strategy Officer, expressed pride in the company's trajectory, stating, "Following winning our previous two SBIR awards, QuSecure is proud to be a part of the Department of the Air Force's efforts toward a more cybersecure future." He emphasized the significance of this partnership, noting, "This award from the Air Force recognizes QuSecure's ability to help enhance the combat fighting capabilities necessitated by modern warfare."

The U.S. Government's proactive stance towards a quantum-safe future is evident in recent legislative actions. The Endless Frontiers Act, which proposes a $100 billion investment over five years into emerging technologies including quantum computing, underscores the need for PQC. Furthermore, the Quantum Computing Cybersecurity Preparedness Act, signed by President Biden in December 2022, mandates the Office of Management and Budget to prioritize federal agencies' transition to IT systems equipped with PQC.

QuProtect software, currently available for testing and deployment, enables organizations to adopt quantum-resilient technology effectively. It addresses the imminent threat of contemporary cyberattacks while preparing for future quantum cyberthreats.

The software offers quantum-resilient cryptography accessible anytime and anywhere, compatible with a wide array of devices including those in network, cloud, IoT (Internet of Things), edge devices, and satellite communications. A key feature of QuProtect is its ability to integrate with existing encryption, ensuring swift installation and minimal risk.

The software's architecture is built on an end-to-end quantum-security-as-a-service model, effectively covering the most vulnerable aspects of the digital ecosystem. This approach combines zero-trust architecture, next-generation post-quantum-cryptography, crypto agility, quantum-strength keys, high availability, easy deployment, and active defense into a comprehensive cybersecurity suite, aimed at protecting the entire information lifecycle.