London, UK, April 29, 2025 -- Arqit Quantum Inc. (Arqit), a leader in quantum-safe encryption, in collaboration with Equus Compute Solutions (ECS) and Intel, announce the world’s first quantum-safe CSfC-Compliant MACP Architecture for Classified Mobile Communications secured by symmetric key agreement.

The companies have worked together to successfully develop, demonstrate and validate a Mobile Access Capability Package (MACP) architecture that is compliant with the U.S. National Security Agency’s (NSA) Commercial Solutions for Classified (CSfC) programme and resistant to threats from quantum computing.

This innovation introduces a quantum-secure, nested IPsec tunnelling configuration using Arqit’s Symmetric Key Agreement Platform (SKA-Platform), strongSwan VPN, and the Intel NetSec Accelerator Reference Design with Intel Xeon D processor and Intel Ethernet Controller E810. The MACP architecture meets CSfC security requirements while eliminating the scale and logistics issues of traditional key management methods, modernising secure mobile access to classified data.

The NSA’s MACP framework provides secure mobile access to classified networks by requiring two layers of commercial encryption. The Equus/Intel/Arqit collaboration demonstrates post-quantum symmetric encryption, mitigating risk from cryptographically relevant quantum computers (CRQCs) while maintaining performance and scalability.

Arqit’s SKA-Platform enables symmetric keys to be agreed dynamically and securely between VPN endpoints, removing the need for manual keying processes such as couriering, loading or auditing, an operational breakthrough for CSfC architectures. Performance tests achieved 90% throughput retention across dual-encrypted tunnels in realistic environments, demonstrating minimal performance impact while delivering post-quantum security.

“Mission-critical networks require more than Zero Trust, they demand quantum-resilient security and edge intelligence,” said Andy Leaver, CEO of Arqit. “Together with Intel and Equus, we’ve demonstrated how secure user-to-app access can be maintained in the most hostile environments, without sacrificing performance or flexibility. We’re proud to help enable quantum-safe classified access at scale.”

“This development proves the feasibility of achieving CSfC compliance while preparing for the quantum threat. It’s a leap forward in secure communications for government and enterprise alike,” said Jay Lawrence, CEO of ECS. “We’re proud to bring together innovation in hardware and software to solve such a pressing challenge.”

“Intel is committed to delivering easy to use, cost effective and high-performance computing platforms to enable quantum resistant networking,” said Bob Ghaffari, VP and General Manager of Intel’s Enterprise and Cloud Networking Division. “This collaboration shows the Intel NetSec Accelerator Reference Design is an excellent platform for establishing quantum safe networking in the most demanding environments.”

From 28 April – 1 May 2025, the Post-Quantum Security for Mobile Classified Data Access solution will be demonstrated at RSA Conference, San Francisco on the Arqit stand (Moscone North Expo, Booth 5379).