Xiphera Develops Quantum-Resilient Hardware Security Solutions for Space
September 11, 2024
PRESS RELEASE
Xiphera, Ltd, a Finnish company designing and implementing hardware-based security solutions, announces a project for developing quantum-resilient Authenticated Boot and Hardware Root of Trust solutions for space-grade semiconductor architectures.
Authenticated Boot and Hardware Root of Trust solutions ensure trust in the digital hardware components and system configurations in space and satellite infrastructures. Xiphera’s implementations are based on hybrid cryptography – a combination of traditional and Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC) – thus ensuring the security of the system throughout its life cycle.
The development project is partially financed by the European Space Agency, as part of its General Support Technology Program (GSTP). The solutions have been designed in close co-operation with Frontgrade Gaisler, a leading Swedish developer of space-grade electronics. Authenticated Boot is planned to be integrated into Frontgrade Gaisler’s space-grade GR765 processor.
The Authenticated Boot and Hardware Root of Trust technologies are productised for general availability in Xiphera’s nQrux® family of Hardware Trust Engines – highly optimised and customisable security solutions for FPGAs and ASICs. The first released product is nQrux® Secure Boot, available immediately for semiconductor and equipment vendors in space technology and other industrial and critical infrastructure sectors.
“The ESA project will increase European digital sovereignty and resilience both in the supply chain and underlying technology. Our IP cores have always been secure by design, and the complex solutions developed in this project require careful system design methodology” says Petri Jehkonen, Xiphera’s Director of Strategic Programs. “In addition to delivering first class cryptographic algorithms and security protocols, the technology we develop must be compatible with space-grade ASIC manufacturing processes. Xiphera’s solutions are designed in pure digital logic without any hidden software components. This benefit is emphasised particularly in space-grade applications, where software components typically require significantly more complicated validation and certification paths.”