January 01, 2024
Securing Critical Infrastructure with Quantum-Resistant Cryptography
Overview
The evolving cyber threat landscape, coupled with the rise of quantum computing, presents unprecedented security challenges for critical infrastructure and operational technologies (OT). The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) estimates that approximately 20 billion devices will require an upgrade to post-quantum cryptography (PQC) by 2027.
Forward Edge-AI’s Isidore Quantum® is at the forefront of this transition, offering a Commercial National Security Algorithm Suite (CNSA-2.0) compliant cryptographic solution that ensures resilient and quantum-resistant data security.
The Quantum Threat to Operational Technologies
Quantum computers will render conventional cryptographic systems obsolete by breaking widely used public-key algorithms such as RSA, Diffie-Hellman (DH), and Elliptic Curve Cryptography (ECC). Nation-state adversaries and Advanced Persistent Threat (APT) actors are already engaged in Harvest Now, Decrypt Later (HNDL) operations, collecting encrypted data with the expectation of decrypting it in the future once practical quantum computers become available. See Quantum Risk White Paper here.
Isidore Quantum® Gen 2.1 for Operational Technologies/SCADA
To mitigate this risk, the NSA’s CNSA 2.0 framework mandates the use of quantum-resistant asymmetric algorithms, including CRYSTALS-Kyber for key encapsulation and CRYSTALS-Dilithium for digital signatures. Isidore Quantum® integrates these algorithms seamlessly, ensuring robust protection against quantum-enabled cyber threats.
Why Isidore Quantum®?
Unlike traditional cryptographic solutions, Isidore Quantum® provides zero-trust, autonomous, and scalable security, specifically designed for data-in-transit protection across diverse operational environments.
Key Features
Quantum-Resistant Cryptography: Compliant with NSA CNSA-2.0, ensuring long-term security against quantum threats.
Autonomous Key and Channel Management: Supports periodic rekeying, key recovery, and zeroization without manual intervention, reducing the risk of key compromise.
Protocol, Device, and Network Agnostic: Seamlessly integrates into existing infrastructure without requiring modifications.
Multi-Topology Support: Enables point-to-point, mesh, hub-and-spoke, and other network architectures with independent link keying, ensuring resilience.
Zero-Trust Security Model: Prevents unauthorized access and lateral movement through continuous authentication and verification.
AI-Powered Threat Detection: Machine learning and a highly performant rules engine automatically detect, respond to, and adapt against cyber threats.
Obfuscation and Anonymization: Black traffic randomization ensures secure communication by masking underlying traffic structures.
Compact and Efficient: Weighing only 270g (9.7oz) and consuming 8W of power, Isidore Quantum® is significantly more portable and power-efficient compared to legacy cryptographic devices.
Technical Specifications
Feature | Isidore Quantum® |
Weight & Dimensions | 270g / 9.7oz, 135x78x27mm (5.3x3x1 in) |
Power Consumption | 8W |
Throughput | 50 Mbps (ongoing work for 800 Gbps with COTS parts) |
Key Management | CRYSTALS-Kyber for key encapsulation, no PKI/KMI or certificates required |
Operational Security | No forensic footprint |
Compliance | CNSA-2.0 and Zero Trust architecture |
Supported Topologies | Mesh, Point-to-Point, Hub-and-Spoke, Multi-Point |
Quantum-Resistant Algorithms | CRYSTALS-Kyber (key exchange), CRYSTALS-Dilithium (signatures) |
Encryption Standards | AES-256, SHA-384/512 |
Applications
Securing Data-in-Transit for Critical Infrastructures
Isidore Quantum® is purpose-built for securing critical infrastructures such as:
Defense and Intelligence Networks
Smart Grids and Energy Infrastructure
Aerospace and UAV Communications
Secure Mobile and Tactical Communications
Financial and Healthcare Systems
Industrial Control Systems (ICS) & SCADA Networks
Scalable Deployment
Isidore Quantum® supports multiple deployment scenarios:
Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) to Ground (Point-to-Point)
Encrypted Analog Radios
Reaper to Ground Communications
Signals Intelligence (SIGINT) Platforms (Mesh)
Satellite Communications (Starlink)
Multiple Encrypted Phones Over Cellular (Hub and Spoke)
Comparison: Isidore Quantum® vs. Traditional Solutions
Feature | Legacy Cryptographic Devices | Isidore Quantum® |
Quantum Resistance | Vulnerable to quantum attacks | CNSA-2.0 compliant (Quantum-resistant) |
Traffic & Geolocation Security | Exposed | Obfuscated and anonymized black traffic |
Topology Support | IP-specific, rigid | Protocol and network agnostic |
PKI Dependence | Requires certificates & PKI | No PKI/KMI or certificates required |
Forensic Footprint | Detectable | No forensic footprint |
Power Consumption | 30W+ | 7W |
Throughput | 1 Gbps | 50 Mbps (scalable to 100 Gbps) |
Size & Portability | Half-brick size, 4.4 lbs | Credit card-sized, 0.2 lbs |
Ease of Use | Requires specialized training | Plug-and-play, minimal training required |
Cost | $7,600 - $75,000 | $1,600 ($500 estimated once Full Rate of Production is achieved) |
A Future-Proof Cybersecurity Solution
Isidore Quantum® is a next-generation cybersecurity solution, licensed from the NSA and developed by Forward Edge-AI to address the most pressing challenges of post-quantum cryptography. Its scalable, AI-enhanced, zero-trust framework ensures that organizations can proactively harden their infrastructure against emerging threats while maintaining operational continuity.
By deploying Isidore Quantum®, governments, enterprises, and critical infrastructure operators can protect their communications, prevent unauthorized access, and ensure long-term cybersecurity resilience in an era where quantum computing poses a serious threat.
Stakeholders
Awards and Recognition
Award a Phase III Sole Source Contract
A Federal Agency may enter into a Phase III SBIR/STTR agreement at any time with a Phase I OR II Awardee. A subcontract to a Federally funded prime contract may be a Phase III award.
Step 1 Requirements Document: Prepare a Statement of Work (SOW), Statement of Objectives (SOO), or Performance Work Statement (PWS), or use our automated tool to generate a document
Step 2 Market Research: Use this page as your market research, or view a list of other eligible projects, then request a ROM from Forward Edge-AI
Step 3 Funding: Performed by the government
Step 4 Sole Source Justification: A Memorandum for the Record is required in lieu of a J&A or SSJ
Step 5 Provide Requirements Package to Contracting Officer: Performed by the government
Step 6 Solicitation: Performed by the government
Step 7 Pre-Negotiation Memorandum: Use GSA CALC as a benchmark to determine fair and reasonableness of our ROM
Step 8: Contract Award: Performed by the government
Language for Step 4 (Determination and Finding):
Artificial Intelligence (Anomaly Detector), Counter Adversarial AI, Encryption, cybersecurity, ICS/SCADA, IoT, IIoT, Military IoT, physics-based models, quantum resistant, Zero Trust
Operational Technologies, Industry 4.0, Utilities (power, water, energy), Expeditionary Environments
List of Phase III contracts awarded so far
Come back soon
© 2024 Forward Edge-AI, Inc. All rights reserved.
SBIR DATA RIGHTS:
Awarding Agency: US Air Force
Contract Number: FA864923P0006
Contractor Name: Forward Edge-AI, Inc.
Contractor Address: 10108 Carter Canyon, San Antonio, TX 78255
Expiration of SBIR Data: 21 December 2042
Protection Period: 20 years from award of contract on 21 December 2022
The Government's rights to use, modify, reproduce, release, perform, display, or disclose technical data or computer software marked with this legend are restricted during the period shown as provided in paragraph (b)(5) of the Rights In Other Than Commercial Technical Data and Computer Software–Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Program clause contained in the above identified contract. After the expiration date shown above, the Government has perpetual government purpose rights as provided in paragraph (b)(5) of that clause. Any reproduction of technical data, computer software, or portions thereof marked with this legend must also reproduce the markings.