Disconnected market
Adoption of QKD and PQC by the market is uncertain due to the apparent disconnection between technology providers and potential users. Notwithstanding, standardization organizations have serious concerns about the practical implementation of QKD and potential side-channels that render the solution ineffective. Simultaneously, the classical encryption communication infrastructure requires massive efforts to transition towards PQC. Only by creating insight to users on practicality for their use cases and by quantification of trust these issues can be tackled.
The Current Efforts of TNO and its partner QUDEF
QuDEF and TNO together are in the perfect position to provide advice together on QKD and PQC. To bridge the gap between available technology and use-cases, TNO has developed the AsQK’D tool; an interactive digital environment that brings together users and vendors of QKD systems. By evaluating the theoretical equations that govern the physics of quantum communications, AsQK’D can associate user requirements to device performance and vice-versa – akin to a match-making tool. QuDEF is a recently founded company in the Dutch Quantum Ecosystem that focuses on evaluating the practical implementation of QKD solutions and evaluating the potential threats associated to it.
The Value of ASQ’Out
The ASQOut project will further develop the match-making framework of AsQK’D and integrate it with the practical security advice provided by QuDEF's SQOUT database. The goal is to provide real-world advice to potential QKD adopters and, ultimately, foster standardization of technologies; both from the perspective of QKD hardware developers and cybersecurity service providers. The project will also count with industrial partners and investment organizations to make sure the goal is reached: quantification of trust in next-generation cybersecurity strategies.