Key Outcomes
- Successfully secured over 2 million daily transactions
- Achieved compliance with emerging quantum security standards
- Maintained transaction processing speeds within 50ms of original performance
- Implemented with zero downtime during the transition
Industry: Financial Services
Organization Size: Global enterprise, 50,000+ employees
Implementation Time: 4 months
Solution Type: Hybrid cryptographic implementation
Technologies: CRYSTALS-Kyber, CRYSTALS-Dilithium, Hybrid PKI
Executive Summary
A leading global financial institution with operations in over 60 countries needed to secure its cross-border transaction system against emerging quantum computing threats. With over 2 million daily transactions representing billions in value, the stakes were exceptionally high. The organization needed a solution that would provide quantum resistance without disrupting operations or compromising on performance.
The Challenge
The financial institution faced several significant challenges:
Security Vulnerabilities
The existing infrastructure relied heavily on RSA and ECC cryptography, which are vulnerable to quantum attacks. With "harvest now, decrypt later" attacks already a concern, the institution needed immediate protection.
Zero Downtime Requirement
As a critical financial system, the transaction platform could not afford any downtime during the transition to quantum-resistant cryptography.
Performance Constraints
Transaction processing times were critical, with strict requirements to maintain speeds within milliseconds of the current system despite the additional cryptographic overhead.
Regulatory Compliance
The solution needed to maintain compliance with financial regulations across dozens of jurisdictions while also preparing for emerging quantum security standards.
Our Approach
QuReady implemented a comprehensive quantum security solution using a phased approach:
Phase 1: Assessment and Planning (2 weeks)
- Conducted a thorough cryptographic inventory of all transaction systems
- Identified critical paths and high-risk components
- Developed a detailed migration plan with zero-downtime requirements
- Created performance benchmarks and testing protocols
Phase 2: Hybrid Cryptographic Implementation (6 weeks)
- Implemented CRYSTALS-Kyber for key encapsulation alongside existing RSA
- Deployed CRYSTALS-Dilithium for digital signatures in parallel with ECDSA
- Developed custom cryptographic modules optimized for the institution’s transaction processing pipeline
- Created fallback mechanisms to ensure system reliability during the transition
Phase 3: Testing and Optimization (4 weeks)
- Conducted extensive load testing to ensure performance requirements were met
- Performed security audits and penetration testing of the new cryptographic implementation
- Optimized algorithms to reduce processing overhead
- Verified compliance with regulatory requirements across all jurisdictions
Phase 4: Rollout and Monitoring (4 weeks)
- Implemented a gradual rollout across regional transaction centers
- Provided real-time monitoring of cryptographic operations
- Established key performance indicators for ongoing assessment
- Trained the institution’s security team on maintaining the quantum-resistant infrastructure
Technical Solution Details
| Component | Previous Solution | Quantum-Resistant Solution | Implementation Approach |
|---|---|---|---|
| Key Exchange | RSA-2048, ECDH | CRYSTALS-Kyber | Hybrid implementation with both classical and PQC algorithms |
| Digital Signatures | ECDSA, RSA | CRYSTALS-Dilithium | Dual signature approach with both algorithms |
| Certificate Authority | Traditional PKI | Quantum-resistant PKI | Parallel PKI infrastructure with migration path |
| Secure Messaging | TLS 1.2/1.3 | TLS 1.3 with PQC extensions | Custom TLS extensions for quantum resistance |
| Hardware Security | Traditional HSMs | PQC-enabled HSMs | Firmware updates and new HSM deployment |
Performance Optimization Techniques
To maintain the strict performance requirements, several optimization techniques were employed:
- Algorithmic Optimizations: Custom implementations of Kyber and Dilithium optimized for the institution’s hardware infrastructure
- Caching Strategies: Strategic caching of cryptographic materials to reduce computation overhead
- Parallel Processing: Leveraging multi-core architectures for cryptographic operations
- Hardware Acceleration: Utilizing specialized hardware for post-quantum cryptographic operations
- Protocol Streamlining: Reducing unnecessary cryptographic operations in the transaction pipeline
Results and Benefits
The implementation of quantum-resistant cryptography delivered significant benefits:
All transaction data is now protected against both classical and quantum attacks, eliminating the risk of "harvest now, decrypt later" threats.
The hybrid approach ensures security even if vulnerabilities are discovered in either classical or quantum algorithms.
Transaction processing times increased by only 45ms on average, well within the 50ms requirement.
System throughput maintained at over 2 million transactions daily with no degradation in peak processing capability.
The solution meets all current regulatory requirements across 60+ countries.
The institution is now positioned to comply with emerging quantum security standards being developed by NIST and other regulatory bodies.
Zero downtime achieved during the entire implementation process.
Seamless transition for end-users with no changes required to their operational procedures.
Client Testimonial
"QuReady's implementation of quantum-resistant cryptography has positioned our institution at the forefront of financial security. Their expertise in both financial systems and post-quantum cryptography allowed for a seamless transition that maintained our operational requirements while significantly enhancing our security posture."
Conclusion
This case study demonstrates that financial institutions can successfully implement quantum-resistant security measures without compromising on performance or operational continuity. By taking a proactive approach to quantum security, this global financial institution has not only protected its current operations but has also future-proofed its infrastructure against emerging threats.
The hybrid cryptographic approach provides immediate protection against “harvest now, decrypt later” attacks while maintaining compatibility with existing systems. As quantum computing continues to advance, the institution is well-positioned to complete its transition to fully quantum-resistant algorithms.