#Canada #Ottawa #PQC #QASM #Crypto4A Technologies

Crypto4A Technologies Launches Quantum-Safe QASM

An Industry Milestone

On March 21, 2025, Crypto4A Technologies, a leader in quantum-safe and crypto-agile security solutions, made a significant announcement from Ottawa, Ontario. The company revealed that its QASM hardware cryptographic core, along with firmware version 5.0, has been included in the Cryptographic Module Validation Program (CMVP) under the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) for achieving FIPS 140-3 Level 3 certification. This development marks a pivotal moment, as QASM becomes the first hardware security module (HSM) designed for certification, incorporating all permutations and variants of NIST-approved post-quantum cryptographic (PQC) algorithms.

A Commitment to Future Security

As the quantum computing landscape evolves, organizations are increasingly concerned about protecting their critical assets against potential quantum threats. With the introduction of the QASM, Crypto4A ensures that their clients can safeguard their digital environments now and in the future. Their quantum security HSMs have already gained trust among chip manufacturers, circuit board producers, cloud service providers, government agencies, and enterprise clients across the globe.

Crypto4A’s innovative design allows for seamless firmware updates, ensuring that customers can access new quantum security algorithms as they become available through simple enhancements. This is possible thanks to its FPGA-based crypto-agile design and robust firmware update mechanisms, which maintain security against potential quantum attacks.

Expert Insights and Partner Collaboration

Dr. Jim Goodman, CTO and Co-founder of Crypto4A, expressed excitement over the QASM's certification journey, noting, "Our PQC-enabled QASM serves as a central component of our QxHSM and QxEDGE product offerings, providing our clients with a quantum security foundation for their migration to PQC. Our collaboration with atsec information security has been invaluable in ensuring our implementation meets and exceeds NIST’s rigorous standards."

Swapneela Unkule, director of atsec’s Cryptographic Security Testing Laboratory (CST), commended Crypto4A’s commitment: "Crypto4A is the first provider to receive algorithm certificates for all available PQC algorithms. The professionalism and understanding of FIPS requirements displayed by their team made the validation process seamless."

Industry Reactions

Spencer Frye, Vice President of Growth Strategy and Operations at CERTINext/eMudhra, acknowledged the magnitude of Crypto4A's contribution: "Quantum security begins with hardware, and Crypto4A is at the forefront of making this a tangible reality." This sentiment resonates throughout the industry, with leaders like Tim Hollebeek of DigiCert emphasizing the importance of being prepared for the quantum era.

Further underscoring the collaborative nature of digital security, Tomas Gustavsson, Chief PKI Officer at Keyfactor, highlighted the urgent need for transitions to quantum-safe algorithms. "Our partnership with Crypto4A has been pivotal in equipping our clients with secure algorithms. Providing a production-ready security infrastructure empowers organizations to implement comprehensive quantum security solutions effectively."

The Path Forward

With the initial call for PQC algorithm proposals from NIST in 2016 leading to standards being published in 2024, Crypto4A's proactive approach is crucial for the industry. As organizations prepare to meet quantum challenges ahead, the focus on collaboration and readiness has never been more vital.

Jason Soroko, a senior fellow at Sectigo, congratulated Crypto4A: "Their dedication equips organizations to be better prepared for today’s and tomorrow’s quantum threats."

Crypto4A continues to lead the charge in cryptographic security, advocating for robust quantum-safe solutions. Their advancements underscore the urgency and necessity for organizations across different sectors to adopt proactive strategies for digital security. To learn more about Crypto4A's offerings, please visit www.crypto4a.com.

Conclusion

As we transition into an era increasingly impacted by quantum technologies, Crypto4A Technologies stands at the forefront, guiding enterprises through the complexities of quantum risk management and ensuring the integrity of their digital ecosystems. The QASM’s FIPS 140-3 Level 3 certification represents not just a milestone for Crypto4A, but a critical advancement for the security landscape as a whole, reinforcing confidence in a post-quantum world.