Key Outcomes
- Established quantum-resistant secure channels for sensitive communications
- Implemented a zero-trust architecture with post-quantum authentication
- Created a scalable solution that could be extended to other government departments
- Developed custom compliance documentation for government security standards
Industry: Government
Organization Size: Federal agency, 15,000+ employees
Implementation Time: 8 months
Solution Type: Secure communications infrastructure
Technologies: CRYSTALS-Dilithium, SPHINCS+, Quantum-resistant VPN
Executive Summary
A federal government agency responsible for handling sensitive information needed to protect its communications infrastructure against sophisticated threat actors employing “harvest now, decrypt later” tactics. With the long-term confidentiality of classified information at stake, the agency required a comprehensive quantum-resistant security solution that would meet stringent government security standards while ensuring operational efficiency.
The Challenge
The government agency faced several critical security challenges:
Advanced Persistent Threats
The agency was targeted by sophisticated nation-state actors with the capability to intercept and store encrypted communications for future decryption once quantum computers become available.
Classified Information Protection
Communications contained classified information that required protection for decades, well into the era when quantum computers could break current encryption standards.
Stringent Security Standards
Any solution needed to comply with rigorous government security standards while also preparing for emerging quantum security requirements.
Complex Infrastructure
The agency operated a diverse and complex IT infrastructure with varying security requirements and multiple communication channels that needed protection.
Our Approach
QuReady developed a comprehensive quantum security strategy tailored to the government agency’s unique requirements:
Phase 1: Security Assessment and Planning (6 weeks)
- Conducted a thorough security assessment of all communication channels
- Identified high-value targets and critical information flows
- Developed a threat model specific to quantum computing risks
- Created a detailed implementation roadmap with security classification considerations
- Established performance and security metrics for the project
Phase 2: Secure Messaging Implementation (10 weeks)
- Deployed a quantum-resistant secure messaging platform for internal communications
- Implemented end-to-end encryption using hybrid classical/post-quantum algorithms
- Developed secure key distribution mechanisms resistant to quantum attacks
- Created secure channels for different classification levels with appropriate controls
Phase 3: File Sharing and Document Security (8 weeks)
- Implemented quantum-resistant encryption for classified document storage
- Deployed secure file sharing capabilities with post-quantum authentication
- Developed digital signature solutions using CRYSTALS-Dilithium and SPHINCS+
- Created audit and compliance mechanisms for document access and sharing
Phase 4: Secure Network Infrastructure (12 weeks)
- Deployed quantum-resistant VPN solutions for remote access
- Implemented secure network segmentation with quantum-resistant authentication
- Enhanced perimeter security with post-quantum cryptographic controls
- Developed secure communication gateways for interagency information sharing
Phase 5: Validation and Compliance (6 weeks)
- Conducted rigorous security testing and validation
- Performed formal security assessment against government standards
- Developed custom compliance documentation
- Created operational security procedures and training materials
Technical Solution Details
| Security Component | Previous Implementation | Quantum-Resistant Solution | Security Enhancement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Secure Messaging | RSA-based encryption, ECDH key exchange | Hybrid encryption with CRYSTALS-Kyber, AES-256 | Protection against quantum attacks on key exchange |
| Document Signing | RSA and ECDSA signatures | CRYSTALS-Dilithium and SPHINCS+ signatures | Quantum-resistant authentication of document origin |
| VPN Infrastructure | IPsec with Diffie-Hellman | Custom IPsec implementation with post-quantum key exchange | Secure remote access resistant to quantum attacks |
| Authentication | PKI with RSA certificates | Quantum-resistant PKI with hybrid certificates | Secure identity verification in the quantum era |
| Secure Voice Communications | Traditional encryption | Post-quantum voice encryption protocol | Protection of classified voice communications |
Zero-Trust Architecture
A key component of the implementation was a zero-trust security architecture enhanced with post-quantum cryptography:
Zero-Trust with Post-Quantum Security
Core Principles
- Never trust, always verify - with quantum-resistant authentication
- Assume breach - with quantum-resistant encryption for all data
- Verify explicitly - using post-quantum identity verification
- Least privilege access - enforced with quantum-resistant controls
- Defense in depth - multiple layers of quantum and classical security
Implementation Components
- Post-quantum identity and access management
- Quantum-resistant micro-segmentation
- Continuous monitoring with quantum-safe integrity checks
- Quantum-resistant encryption for all data in transit and at rest
- Secure enclaves with quantum-resistant boundaries
Implementation Challenges and Solutions
Challenge: The agency needed to maintain communication with other government entities using legacy cryptographic systems.
Solution: Implemented cryptographic gateways that could translate between quantum-resistant and traditional cryptographic protocols, ensuring interoperability while maintaining security within the agency's perimeter.
Challenge: Post-quantum algorithms initially caused significant performance degradation in high-volume communication channels.
Solution: Developed optimized implementations of quantum-resistant algorithms and implemented hardware acceleration for cryptographic operations, reducing overhead by 60% and meeting performance requirements.
Challenge: Existing security compliance frameworks did not adequately address quantum security requirements.
Solution: Collaborated with the agency's security team to develop custom compliance documentation that mapped quantum security controls to existing government security standards, creating a bridge to future quantum security requirements.
Results and Benefits
The implementation of quantum-resistant security measures delivered significant benefits to the government agency:
All classified communications are now protected against both current and future quantum threats, eliminating the risk of "harvest now, decrypt later" attacks.
The zero-trust architecture with quantum-resistant controls provides defense-in-depth protection for sensitive information.
The solution meets all current government security standards while also preparing for future quantum security requirements.
Custom compliance documentation provides a framework for other agencies to follow in implementing quantum security.
Despite the enhanced security, the optimized implementation maintains operational efficiency with minimal impact on user experience.
Automated key management and security controls reduce administrative overhead while maintaining security.
The modular design allows for easy extension to other government departments and agencies.
The solution can adapt to evolving quantum security standards as they emerge.
Measurable Outcomes
100%
Classified communications protected
12
Secure facilities connected
5,000+
Users with secure access
30+ years
Data protection lifespan
Security Validation
The quantum-resistant implementation underwent rigorous security validation:
Independent Security Assessment
An independent security assessment was conducted by a government-approved security evaluation facility, which confirmed that the implementation:
- Meets or exceeds all applicable government security standards
- Provides effective protection against quantum computing threats
- Implements appropriate cryptographic controls for different classification levels
- Maintains secure operations even if individual components are compromised
- Includes appropriate monitoring and incident response capabilities
Client Testimonial
"QuReady's implementation of quantum-resistant security has transformed our approach to protecting classified communications. Their deep understanding of both government security requirements and post-quantum cryptography allowed them to develop a solution that not only meets our current needs but positions us well for the future quantum computing era. The zero-trust architecture with quantum-resistant controls gives us confidence that our sensitive information remains secure against even the most sophisticated threats."
Conclusion
This case study demonstrates that government agencies can successfully implement quantum-resistant security measures to protect classified communications against sophisticated threats, including “harvest now, decrypt later” attacks. By taking a comprehensive approach that combines zero-trust principles with post-quantum cryptography, this federal agency has established a security foundation that will withstand the advent of quantum computing.
The modular and scalable design of the solution allows for extension to other government departments, providing a pathway for broader adoption of quantum-resistant security across government. The custom compliance documentation bridges current security standards with future quantum security requirements, creating a framework that other agencies can follow.