Dell brings post-quantum cryptography to the root of trust
Post-quantum cryptography is gaining urgency as attackers collect encrypted data they hope to decrypt later with quantum computers. Stolen data is only part of the problem. A future quantum computer could also forge the signatures that tell a laptop or server its firmware is genuine, according to Rick Martinez (pictured, right), fellow and vice president […] The post Dell brings post-quantum…
Dell Technologies is taking steps to incorporate post-quantum cryptography into the foundation of trust in its systems. This is due to the increasing urgency of the threat posed by quantum computers, which could eventually decrypt stolen data and forge system signatures, as Rick Martinez, Vice President of Client Solutions at Dell, explained. Martinez emphasized that rather than just focusing on data confidentiality, quantum computers could also threaten the integrity of the entire system.
Dell has already implemented post-quantum algorithms in its PC systems. The company's new Dell Pro systems now utilize a post-quantum algorithm in the embedded controller, which is the first component to fetch code during startup. Additionally, Dell has adopted quantum-resistant hashing for off-host BIOS checks.
However, securing storage poses a greater challenge as cryptographic measures are present at every layer, from hardware to software to intrusion-detection tools. Judy Furlong, Senior Distinguished Engineer at Dell, highlighted that they cannot consider the task complete until all instances of vulnerable cryptography have been updated with quantum-resistant alternatives.
This process will occur gradually over multiple releases and will involve collaboration with suppliers due to dependencies on their availability of post-quantum components.
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