SEALSQ Corp (NASDAQ: LAES) has announced the deployment of its QS7001 secure element incorporating post-quantum cryptographic (PQC) technology designed to protect Bitcoin wallets against potential attacks from future quantum computers. The solution utilises NIST-standardised algorithms – CRYSTALS-Kyber for key encapsulation and CRYSTALS-Dilithium for digital signatures – embedded within a tamper-resistant chip optimised for resource-constrained devices. SEALSQ is offering a migration framework for developers, including hybrid cryptography and quantum-safe addresses, to facilitate a transition away from currently vulnerable elliptic curve cryptography, addressing the risk that quantum computers utilising Shor’s algorithm could compromise wallets by deriving private keys from exposed public keys.
Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies face a looming threat from quantum computers capable of breaking the mathematical foundations securing transactions. SEALSQ proactively addresses this vulnerability through hardware-based post-quantum cryptography. The company implements CRYSTALS-Kyber for secure key encapsulation and CRYSTALS-Dilithium for robust digital signatures, integrating these algorithms into the QS7001 secure element – a dedicated hardware component designed to protect cryptographic keys and processes from compromise. This strategic approach ensures a future-proof security infrastructure for digital assets.
Hardware-rooted trust forms the cornerstone of SEALSQ’s security proposition, anchoring cryptographic operations within a dedicated secure element to create a robust defense against both classical and quantum attacks. This approach contrasts sharply with software-only solutions, which are inherently more vulnerable to compromise through malware or remote exploitation. Integration with WISeKey’s Quantum RootKey infrastructure further strengthens this defense, providing a verifiable and tamper-proof foundation for trust and establishing a secure chain of custody for cryptographic keys.
SEALSQ’s commitment to standardization and interoperability ensures seamless integration with existing blockchain platforms and cryptographic libraries. The company actively participates in industry consortia and working groups to promote the adoption of post-quantum cryptographic standards and best practices. This collaborative approach fosters innovation and accelerates the development of a secure and interoperable post-quantum ecosystem.
SEALSQ’s migration framework acknowledges the practical challenges developers face when transitioning to new cryptographic standards, offering a phased approach that minimizes disruption to existing infrastructure. A hybrid approach combines existing Elliptic Curve Digital Signature Algorithm (ECDSA) with the post-quantum Dilithium algorithm, allowing for gradual adoption and compatibility with legacy systems. Quantum-safe addresses clearly identify transactions utilizing post-quantum cryptography, providing transparency and enabling selective activation of enhanced security features.
The QS7001’s architecture prioritizes efficiency in resource-constrained environments, delivering low power consumption for extended battery life in hardware wallets and enabling seamless deployment in IoT devices where energy conservation is critical. Secure key storage within the element mitigates the risk of compromise through sophisticated side-channel attack prevention and physical tampering resistance, bolstering the overall security posture. The device facilitates efficient execution of post-quantum cryptographic operations, reducing latency and enhancing the user experience for secure transactions.
SEALSQ’s commitment to innovation extends to the development of advanced key management solutions, enabling secure generation, storage, and rotation of cryptographic keys within the QS7001 secure element. These solutions incorporate hardware security modules (HSMs) and secure enclaves to protect sensitive key material from unauthorized access and manipulation. The company also offers remote attestation capabilities, allowing verification of the integrity and authenticity of the secure element and its cryptographic operations.
The company’s strategic vision extends beyond immediate protection, aiming to establish a comprehensive post-quantum security ecosystem for the blockchain industry. SEALSQ actively collaborates with developers and industry stakeholders to promote the adoption of post-quantum cryptographic standards and best practices. This proactive engagement fosters innovation and accelerates the transition to a quantum-resistant future for digital assets, ensuring long-term viability and resilience.
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