Thales Launches Europe’s First Licensed Smartcard Prepared for the Quantum Age

• Thales’ resolution is the primary quantum-resistant smartcard in Europe to obtain high-level safety certification, underscoring its dedication to staying forward of rising cyber dangers within the quantum period.
• The licensed product integrates revolutionary cyber mechanism right into a smartcard format—perfect for purposes that demand robust future-proof id safety, equivalent to digital ID playing cards, well being playing cards, and driving licenses.
• It’s prepared for real-world deployment, offering governments and establishments with a safe basis for next-generation id options.

MEUDON, France — As quantum computing evolves, a lot of in the present day’s cryptographic strategies will not be safe, since quantum computer systems will be capable to resolve advanced mathematical issues a lot sooner than classical computer systems. A current Gartner^® report* says “By 2029, advances in quantum computing will make typical uneven cryptography unsafe to make use of.” Thales has spent years investing in post-quantum cryptography to make sure essential programs keep protected sooner or later.

By changing into the primary firm worldwide to obtain high-level Widespread Standards¹ certification for a quantum-resistant smartcard, Thales will assist authorities providers defend delicate knowledge—equivalent to these on ID playing cards, well being playing cards, and driver’s licenses—and be sure that residents’ identities are safe in opposition to rising quantum threats.

The revolutionary smartcard (‘ MultiApp 5.2 Premium PQC’), developed by Thales and authorized by the French Cybersecurity Company (Agence nationale de la sécurité des systèmes d’data – ANSSI), makes use of superior digital signature designed to withstand assaults, even from highly effective quantum machines. It’s the primary of its form to be licensed at such a excessive safety degree (EAL 6+²) beneath the Widespread Standards framework. The licensed product additionally options new Digital Signature Algorithms³ standardised by the American NIST – Nationwide Institute of Requirements and Expertise. These particular signature algorithms are highly effective cryptographic instruments used to confirm that knowledge or a digital message actually comes from the best sender and has not been altered.

From an end-user perspective, nothing modifications: residents will proceed to make use of their playing cards as standard. What’s revolutionary is what’s inside. The cardboard makes use of a brand new era cryptographic signature designed to face up to the immense computing energy of tomorrow’s quantum computer systems. This ensures that delicate private knowledge stays protected not simply in the present day—however nicely into the long run.

* Gartner^®, Postquantum Cryptography: The Time to Put together Is Now!, Mark Horvath et al., 1 July 2024

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Thales (Euronext Paris: HO) is a worldwide chief in superior applied sciences for the Defence, Aerospace, and Cyber & Digital sectors. Its portfolio of revolutionary services addresses a number of main challenges: sovereignty, safety, sustainability and inclusion.