PQShield Unveils First PQC-Compliant Silicon Test Chip for Post-Quantum Security

The world of post-quantum cryptography is shifting from preparation to compliance with the release of the first three NIST PQC standards. According to Graeme Hickey, VP of Engineering at PQShield, this marks a significant turning point, as companies can no longer view post-quantum cryptography as a research item, but rather as a must-do imperative. Semiconductor manufacturers, who provide critical components to other companies, will be among the first adopters, and having PQC in these components is crucial for the entire supply chain. To address this need, PQShield has designed and built its own fully functional PQC silicon test chip, which it claims is the first ever PQC-compliant silicon chip. This chip allows for real-world testing and evaluation of post-quantum cryptography, including power utilization, performance, and side-channel analysis countermeasures. The company’s RACCOON scheme, a side-channel secure digital signature scheme, has also been implemented in the silicon test chip.

The Shift to Compliance in Post-Quantum Cryptography

The world of post-quantum cryptography (PQC) is undergoing a significant transformation as the first three NIST PQC standards are released. The focus is shifting from preparation to compliance, and companies are now compelled to adopt PQC solutions to ensure their systems are secure against quantum attacks. This shift is driven by the need for industries to comply with emerging regulations and standards, particularly in sectors where security is paramount.

The semiconductor industry, which provides the foundation for many other technologies, is at the forefront of this shift. Companies in this sector must integrate PQC solutions into their components to ensure the entire supply chain remains secure. The adoption of PQC is no longer a research item or proof-of-concept; it has become a necessity. As Graeme Hickey, VP Engineering at PQShield, notes, “It’s now something that’s a must-do, and I think we’re going to see an increase in interest from industry and companies looking to work out how to solve the post-quantum problem.”

The Development of PQC-Compliant Silicon Chips

To address this need, PQShield has designed and built a fully functional PQC silicon test chip, which is believed to be the first of its kind. This chip is loaded with the company’s PQPlatform IP, specifically focused on platform security for SoC semiconductor vendors with implementation security in mind. The development of this chip enables the demonstration and testing of PQC solutions in a real-world setting, allowing for detailed evaluation of their operation and compliance with emerging standards.

The test chip provides a unique opportunity to assess power utilization, performance, and the efficiency of Side Channel Analysis (SCA) countermeasures. As Hickey explains, “It’s much easier to do this type of evaluation on a real product, as opposed to a pre-silicon simulation, or using FGPA, and it’s far more reflective of what a final product would look like.” The chip’s flexibility is another significant advantage, allowing for firmware updates to modify the algorithms it supports, ensuring compliance with evolving standards.

The Importance of Real-World Testing and Evaluation

The development of PQC-compliant silicon chips is crucial for the widespread adoption of post-quantum cryptography. By testing and evaluating these solutions in a real-world setting, companies can ensure their systems are secure against quantum attacks. This approach enables the identification of potential vulnerabilities and the optimization of performance, power utilization, and SCA countermeasures.

The ability to update firmware directly on the test chip is particularly valuable, as it allows for the integration of new algorithms and standards as they emerge. This feature will be essential in the coming years, as NIST standardization continues and new digital signature schemes are developed. The inclusion of RACCOON, a side-channel secure, masking-friendly scheme, in the silicon test chip is a significant milestone, marking the first time this algorithm has been implemented in hardware.

The Future of Post-Quantum Cryptography

As the quantum shift continues, the focus on compliance with emerging standards will intensify. Companies must prioritize the adoption of PQC solutions to ensure their systems remain secure against quantum attacks. The development of PQC-compliant silicon chips is a critical step in this process, enabling real-world testing and evaluation of these solutions.

PQShield’s engineering and research teams have worked tirelessly to develop a tool that can test, evaluate, and configure real-world post-quantum cryptography. This achievement demonstrates the company’s commitment to staying ahead of the quantum threat and ensuring the security of industries and companies worldwide. As the regulatory landscape evolves, the importance of PQC-compliant silicon chips will only continue to grow, driving innovation and adoption in the years to come.