Qrypt, a US-based quantum security pioneer, has been awarded a Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase 1 contract by AFWERX to develop a quantum-hardened version of Mattermost secure chat. This project aims to address data privacy and encryption concerns for the Department of the Air Force (DAF). Qrypt’s solution utilizes a one-time pad cipher, an information-theoretic secure cryptosystem that provides unconditional security against adversaries with unlimited computing resources and time.
The company’s cryptographic enhancement plug-in for Mattermost leverages its core technologies, including Quantum Secure Key Generation technology (BLAST) and Quantum Random Number Generators developed in cooperation with Los Alamos and Oak Ridge National Laboratories. Denis Mandich, Qrypt’s CTO, expressed enthusiasm about supporting the warfighter through this project.
Quantum Hardening of Secure Chat Communications
The United States Department of Air Force (DAF) has awarded Qrypt, a US-based quantum security pioneer, a Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase 1 contract to develop a quantum-hardened secure chat communication system for Mattermost. This project aims to address the critical issue of data privacy and encryption in ChatOps, which is a mission imperative for the DAF.
The Air Force Research Laboratory and AFWERX have partnered to streamline the SBIR and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) process, accelerating the small business experience through faster proposal to award timelines. This partnership has expanded opportunities for small businesses and eliminated bureaucratic overhead by continually implementing process improvement changes in contract execution. The DAF began offering the Open Topic SBIR/STTR program in 2018, which has expanded the range of innovations funded by the department.
Qrypt’s solution involves developing a cryptographic enhancement plug-in for Mattermost that utilizes a one-time pad (OTP) cipher to encrypt chat sessions. OTP is an information-theoretic secure cryptosystem, considered to have ‘unconditional security’ if the system is secure against adversaries with unlimited computing resources and unlimited time. This mathematically proven, quantum-secure encryption is available today.
The Importance of Secure Chat Communications in Classified Environments
Commercial messaging and file transfer applications are essential modern communication tools, equally prevalent in classified environments. However, military cybersecurity requirements are much greater, and the stakes are higher. Integrating Qrypt solutions vastly improves security and eliminates any single point of compromise on the network. This is critical for supporting warfighters, as compromised chat communications can have devastating consequences.
Qrypt’s Mattermost plug-in provides additional cryptographic hardening, ensuring the protection and integrity of chat communications against current and future attacks. This is particularly important in classified environments, where data privacy and encryption are paramount. Integrating Qrypt solutions eliminates “harvest now, decrypt later” (HNDL) risk and guarantees data privacy.
Qrypt’s Quantum Secure Key Generation Technology
Qrypt’s core technologies include its Quantum Secure Key Generation technology (BLAST) and Quantum Random Number Generators created in cooperation with Los Alamos and Oak Ridge National Laboratories. These technologies are critical components of the quantum-hardened secure chat communication system being developed for Mattermost.
BLAST is a patented, peer-reviewed, and published technology that protects against the quantum threat through the seamless integration of quantum entropy hardware with cryptographic key generation software. This ensures that every byte of harvested data will be exposed when traditional encryption algorithms become obsolete. Qrypt’s solution eliminates this risk, guaranteeing data privacy.
The Role of AFWERX in Driving Innovation
As the innovation arm of the DAF and a directorate within the Air Force Research Laboratory, AFWERX plays a critical role in driving innovation and addressing the most pressing challenges of the DAF. AFWERX employs approximately 325 military, civilian, and contractor personnel at six hubs and sites, executing an annual $1.4 billion budget.
Since 2019, AFWERX has executed 4,697 contracts worth more than $2.6 billion to strengthen the U.S. defense industrial base and drive faster technology transition to operational capability. The partnership between Qrypt and AFWERX is a testament to the organization’s commitment to driving innovation and addressing critical national security challenges.
Conclusion
The development of a quantum-hardened secure chat communication system for Mattermost is a critical step towards ensuring data privacy and encryption in ChatOps. Qrypt’s solution, which leverages its Quantum Secure Key Generation technology and OTP cipher, provides a mathematically proven, quantum-secure encryption that is available today. The partnership between Qrypt and AFWERX demonstrates the importance of driving innovation to address national security challenges.
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