Six French cybersecurity entities, Thales, TheGreenBow, CryptoExperts, CryptoNext Security, ANSSI, and Inria, have formed the RESQUE consortium to develop a post-quantum cryptography solution. The project aims to protect the communications, infrastructure, and networks of businesses and governments from potential quantum computer attacks. The French government and the European Union’s Next Generation EU scheme fund the project, with additional financing from Bpifrance. The consortium will focus on creating a hybrid post-quantum virtual private network (VPN) and a high-performance post-quantum hardware security module (HSM).
Post-Quantum Cryptography: French Cybersecurity Consortium Aims to Secure Future Networks
The RESQUE consortium, a collaboration of six French entities, is embarking on a three-year project to develop a post-quantum cryptography solution. The consortium includes Thales, a technology company; TheGreenBow, a software development SME; CryptoExperts, a cryptography SME; CryptoNext Security, a start-up; ANSSI, the French information system security agency; and Inria, the French national research institute for digital science and technology. The project aims to protect the communications, infrastructure, and networks of businesses and local governments against potential future attacks from quantum computers.
Quantum computers, with their significantly enhanced computing power, could potentially break the encryption algorithms currently in use. This could compromise the security of sensitive data and pose a threat to national sovereign interests. The RESQUE project, which stands for RÉSilience QUantiquE or quantum resilience, is funded by the French government, the European Union’s Next Generation EU scheme, and Bpifrance, which provided an additional €6 million.
Two Key Use Cases: VPN and HSM
The RESQUE project will focus on two main use cases. The first is a hybrid post-quantum virtual private network (VPN) that aims to provide simple, safe, and quantum-resistant user access to information systems. The second is a high-performance post-quantum hardware security module (HSM) designed to secure entire systems and integrate with other products.
TheGreenBow’s expertise in VPN and software development will complement the capabilities of CryptoExperts and CryptoNext Security in encryption and both standard and advanced algorithmic cryptography. Thales will provide leadership in algorithm integration and a holistic vision of the applications ecosystem. ANSSI will provide a research framework and assess the validity criteria for the use cases, and all partners will benefit from Inria’s fundamental research into post-quantum cryptography.
About the Consortium Members
Thales is a global technology company that operates in three domains: Defence & Security, Aeronautics & Space, and Digital Identity & Security. The company invests nearly €4 billion a year in Research & Development, particularly in areas such as quantum technologies, Edge computing, 6G, and cybersecurity.
CryptoExperts is a company founded by industrial and academic researchers in cryptography. The company aims to bridge the gap between the scientific state of the art and the technology level found in current security products. CryptoExperts’ clients and partners include leading technology companies from around the world.
CryptoNext Security is a software vendor specialising in quantum computer-resistant cryptography (post-quantum cryptography, or PQC). It offers its Quantum Safe Remediation software suite (C-QSR), which includes NIST standard Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC) algorithms as well as the recommendations of the European National Security Agencies.
TheGreenBow is a French cybersecurity software company that has been providing reliable VPN solutions since 1998. The company is now a key player in the VPN client market and distributes its solutions in more than 70 countries across the world.
ANSSI, the National Agency for Information Systems Security, is France’s national authority on cybersecurity and cyberdefence. It reports to the Secretary General for Defence and National Security (SGDSN), which in turn is under the authority of the Prime Minister.
Inria is the French national research institute for digital science and technology. The institute supports the diversity of innovation pathways, from open source software publishing to the creation of technological start-ups (Deeptech).
The Future of Post-Quantum Cryptography
The RESQUE project represents a significant step forward in the field of post-quantum cryptography. By bringing together a diverse group of experts and organisations, the consortium aims to develop robust solutions that can withstand the potential threats posed by quantum computing. The project’s focus on VPN and HSM use cases demonstrates a practical approach to addressing real-world cybersecurity challenges. As quantum computing continues to evolve, initiatives like the RESQUE project will play a crucial role in ensuring the security of digital communications and infrastructure.
External Link: Click Here For More
