A quantum-safe architecture, representing a major leap forward for secure classified mobile communications, was announced jointly by Arqit, Equus Compute Solutions (ECS) and Intel on April 29th.
The companies collaborated to successfully develop, demonstrate and validate a world-first quantum-safe CSfC-compliant MACP architecture for classified mobile communications secured by symmetric key agreement, according to a joint press release. The Mobile Access Capability Package (MACP) architecture is compliant with the U.S. National Security Agency’s (NSA) Commercial Solutions for Classified (CSfC) program and resistant to threats from quantum computing.
“This development proves the feasibility of achieving CSfC compliance while preparing for the quantum threat. It’s a leap forward in secure communications for government and enterprise alike,” said Jay Lawrence, CEO of ECS. “We’re proud to bring together innovation in hardware and software to solve such a pressing challenge.”
This innovation introduces a post-quantum secure, nested IPsec tunnelling configuration using Arqit’s Symmetric Key Agreement Platform (SKA-Platform™), strongSwan VPN, and the Intel NetSec Accelerator Reference Design with Intel Xeon D processor and Intel Ethernet 800 Series Network Adapter. The MACP architecture meets CSfC security requirements while eliminating the scale and logistics issues of traditional key management methods, modernizing secure mobile access to classified data.
“Mission-critical networks require more than Zero Trust, they demand quantum-resilient security and edge intelligence,” said Andy Leaver, CEO of Arqit, a leader in quantum-safe encryption. “Together with Intel and Equus, we’ve demonstrated how secure user-to-app access can be maintained in the most hostile environments, without sacrificing performance or flexibility. We’re proud to help enable quantum-safe classified access at scale.”
The NSA’s MACP framework provides secure mobile access to classified networks by requiring two layers of commercial encryption. The Equus/Intel/Arqit collaboration demonstrates post-quantum symmetric encryption, mitigating risk from cryptographically relevant quantum computers (CRQCs) while maintaining performance and scalability.
“Intel is committed to delivering easy-to-use, cost-effective and high-performance computing platforms to enable quantum-resistant networking,” said Bob Ghaffari, VP and General Manager of Intel’s Enterprise and Cloud Networking Division. “This collaboration shows the Intel NetSec Accelerator Reference Design is an excellent platform for establishing quantum-safe networking in the most demanding environments.”
Arqit’s SKA-Platform enables symmetric keys to be agreed dynamically and securely between VPN endpoints, removing the need for manual keying processes such as couriering, loading or auditing an operational breakthrough for CSfC architectures.
Performance tests achieved 90% throughput retention across dual-encrypted tunnels in realistic environments, demonstrating minimal performance impact while delivering post-quantum security.
