WATERLOO, ON, May 13, 2024 - evolutionQ, a leading quantum-safe cybersecurity company, today unveiled MultimodalKES™, a new cryptographic protocol that enables the establishment of end-to-end (E2E) encryption keys for long-term secure, quantum-safe communications. In support of the new protocol, evolutionQ issued a corresponding white paper at the 10th annual ETSI/IQC Quantum Safe Cryptography Conference in Singapore.

Relying on standards-based cryptographic methods, MultimodalKES combines symmetric cryptography, post-quantum cryptography (PQC), and current asymmetric key cryptography that, combined, possess significantly stronger properties compared to other key establishment solutions, making them resilient to both classical and quantum computing attacks.

MultimodalKES is deployable at scale in many enterprise applications via existing protocols (including TLS, IPSec, and MACSec) and infrastructures such as routers or security appliances – in the cloud or via customer-owned hardware security modules (HSMs). It is easily upgraded to work with quantum key distribution (QKD) devices, creating a solution to the last-mile challenge with these networks. MultimodalKES improves upon the asymmetric-PQC hybrid cryptographic approach recommended by national cybersecurity agencies, including BSI (Germany) and ANSSI (France), and with implementations outlined by global standards bodies.

"Today's public-key cryptography is vulnerable to a multitude of classical, AI, quantum, and other unknown threats. To better protect themselves, government agencies and organizations in critical industries are actively seeking resilient, defense-in-depth approaches that address both current and future attacks," said Dr. Michele Mosca, CEO and Co-Founder at evolutionQ. "MultimodalKES delivers strong computational security even if all asymmetric cryptography methods are broken, and also protects against other serious attacks."

The key features and capabilities of MultimodalKES include:

Defense-in-Depth: By combining symmetric, PQC, and current asymmetric algorithms, MultimodalKES provides unmatched security and protects sensitive data against future threats posed by quantum computers and other code-breaking advances.

Long-Term Security (LTS): MultimodalKES protects the long-term value of an organization's critical data, sensitive personal information, trade secrets, and intellectual property.

Enhanced QKD Integration: Increases QKD network range and extends its reliability, mitigating existing challenges and expanding operational capabilities.

Future-Proof Cryptography: MultimodalKES protects your investment and ensures that security measures remain effective and resilient as technologies and threats continue to evolve.

Seamless Integration: MultimodalKES seamlessly integrates into existing IT infrastructure, including existing QKD deployments, minimizing disruption while maximizing security. It also enables secure communications with long-lived field devices, mitigating device-specific vulnerabilities of IoT smart meters, last-mile equipment, automobiles, and more.

Performance Optimization: MultimodalKES optimizes the balance between security and efficiency, ensuring minimal impact on system performance while maintaining robust protection against classical and quantum threats.

Built-in Compliance and Standards: MultimodalKES adheres to industry standards and compliance requirements, providing confidence that your security measures meet regulatory expectations and best practices.