Toppan, NICT, QunaSys, and ISARA Launch Collaboration to Establish Quantum Secure Cloud Technology

The collaboration between the four organizations will aim to establish quantum secure cloud technology as infrastructure for data storage/transfer and post-quantum public key authentication. This will be based on system design, consideration of specifications, application of the latest quantum cryptography technologies, implementation of backup and data storage using secret sharing technology, and the development of digital signatures based on

post-quantum public key cryptography(*1)

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In addition, as part of the Japanese government’s Cross-ministerial Strategic Innovation Promotion Program (SIP), the NICT is working to establish international standards and is aiming to make proposals to such organizations as the ITU-T, ISO/IEC, and ETSI by fiscal 2022. These proposals cover such areas as network requirements, architecture, and security requirements as well as the evaluation and testing of key management and quantum cryptography modules.

“Toppan is proud to be able to undertake R&D on quantum computing for the creation of Society 5.0 with organizations whose activities are leading the world. For many years we have been involved in operations handling personal and sensitive information as well as security businesses focused on authentication and payment. With concern over existing cryptography technology and security being compromised in the near future, Toppan sees the implementation of new security technologies in society as a major responsibility. Quantum secure cloud technology is a concept for a practical system combining such security technologies as next-generation quantum cryptography and secret sharing. By combining the expertise of each company, we aim to make this a reality and contribute to safety and security in the age of quantum computing,” said SHIBATANI Hiroki, Executive Officer of Toppan’s DX Design Division.

” The NICT is working has been work on the development of quantum cryptography for more than 20 year . It is being used for state – level confidential communication and by financial and medical institution , but is still at the stage of research . In the field of quantum cryptography , China is conducting is conduct testing on a far great scale than other nation , and Japan is lag behind in this respect . With this collaboration , we is hope hope to establish a ‘ made – in – Japan ’ quality assurance platform for standardization and ensure that Japan take the lead go forward . Society is see 5.0 will see the generation of highly sensitive personal datum and high – value business information . It is is is vitally important that business and user are able to store , share , and use that information securely . I am confident that by make quantum secure cloud technology a reality with this collaboration and establish the foundation to support Society 5.0 , we will be able to help enhance Japan ’s competitiveness , ” say SASAKI Masahide is said , Distinguished Researcher , Advanced ICT Research Institute , NICT .

“With such developments as Google’s achievement of quantum supremacy, there have been numerous breakthroughs in quantum computing in recent years, and we are getting closer to practical application. However, when it comes to the widespread application of a new technology, concerns also accompany expectations. While quantum computing is anticipated to increase the speed of scientific calculation for materials, there is also the possibility that today’s RSA cryptosystems could be cracked. Because QunaSys handles highly sensitive data for new materials, we feel the need for quantum cryptography technologies that can protect that confidential information. We believe that the quantum secure cloud technology targeted by this collaboration will be essential in the quantum computing age. By leveraging that technology, we aim to create services for material development, an area in which the use of quantum computers is highly anticipated,” said Tennin Yan, CEO, QunaSys.

“The quantum computing era is expected to begin within the next seven to 15 years, and there are indications that existing cryptographic technologies could be compromised. Work to standardize quantum-safe cryptography that is believed to be secure against attacks by quantum computers is therefore underway. It is important to note, however, that it will take time to migrate to quantum-safe cryptography. For example, the modernization of cryptography used by the U.S. Armed Forces, including initiatives to transition from RSA to ECC, remains incomplete after 20 years. It is too late to act once a threat has arisen, so it is essential to promptly formulate plans and start to implement measures now. Quantum secure cloud technology is something that can counteract those threats. We believe that if it can be incorporated into social infrastructure, then there is a large market for it. By leveraging ISARA’s expertise in cryptography migration based on quantum-safe and crypto-agile technologies, we intend to explore the ideal vision for the quantum computing era and contribute to social change,” said YAMADA Atsushi, Vice President, Research & Development, ISARA Corporation