La Sierra University is among the first in the United States to address a looming threat to data security by piloting a quantum-safe virtual private network for 25 staff members. The initiative, launched in collaboration with enQase, prepares for “Harvest Now, Decrypt Later” (HNDL) attacks, where encrypted information is intercepted and stored for future decryption using the power of quantum computers. Rajesh Patil, CEO of enQase, said this positions La Sierra University as a leader among universities pursuing a fully implemented quantum-safe campus network. “We are beginning the journey toward becoming a quantum-safe university,” said Scott Martell, La Sierra’s chief information officer and vice president of information technology, as the university embarks on a three-year roadmap to establish a comprehensive quantum-secure technology environment.
La Sierra University’s Quantum-Safe VPN Pilot Launch
In June, 25 staff members will test a new quantum-safe virtual private network (VPN) designed to counter a specific attack vector known as “Harvest Now, Decrypt Later” (HNDL). This tactic involves intercepting and storing encrypted data with the intent to decrypt it at a future date when quantum computers can break current encryption standards like RSA and ECC. The university’s initiative extends beyond adopting new technology; it represents a three-year roadmap toward establishing a fully quantum-secure technology environment across the campus. Rajesh Patil, CEO of enQase, the quantum security technology provider collaborating with La Sierra, highlighted the university’s approach. “This is where most universities will be within the next three to five years, and La Sierra is helping lead that transition.” The deployment also aligns with a broader push from organizations like the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), which has established timelines for transitioning to post-quantum cryptographic standards by 2025, describing the shift as “a mandate-driven migration from classical encryption to quantum-safe encryption,” according to Patil.
The university’s pilot program, launching in June with 25 staff members, centers on a quantum-safe virtual private network designed to counteract this vulnerability, marking one of the earliest such deployments within a U. S. university setting. The core of this security upgrade relies on technologies provided by enQase, including Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) and quantum-safe cryptographic methods leveraging high-entropy key generation, a process known as QRNG, to fortify data protection against the anticipated capabilities of quantum computers.
There is an enormous amount of capital being invested into creating commercially available quantum computers.
Steve Menges, Executive Vice President of Marketing and Partnerships at enQase
NIST Standards Drive Transition to Post-Quantum Encryption
The escalating threat of quantum computing is prompting institutions to proactively fortify their digital defenses, and enQase is collaborating with La Sierra University to establish a quantum-safe campus network, positioning the university as an early adopter of this critical technology. While commercially viable quantum computers remain largely within research settings, the substantial capital investment fueling their development necessitates immediate preparation, according to Steve Menges, executive vice president of marketing and partnerships at enQase; he stated that there is an enormous amount of capital being invested into creating commercially available quantum computers, emphasizing the urgency for organizations to begin planning now. La Sierra’s three-year roadmap to a fully quantum-secure environment aligns with Scott Martell’s IT strategy, Stabilize, Secure, and Innovate, which prioritizes foundational stability before implementing advanced security measures.
The VPN system is the front door to the campus.
Scott Martell, Chief Information Officer, La Sierra University
