As the Internet of Things (IoT) continues to grow, so do the security risks associated with Low-Power Wide-Area (LPWA) networks. These networks, which enable long-range communication with minimal energy requirements, are vulnerable to physical tampering and cyberattacks. To mitigate these risks, hardware security modules (HSMs) play a critical role in securing LPWA IoT networks by securely generating, storing, and managing cryptographic keys.

Last summer, the National Institutes of Standards and Technology (NIST) issued the first Post Quantum Cryptography standards. Earlier this week NIST issued a draft report (Transition to Post-Quantum Cryptography Standards ) to guide transition efforts. It’s intended as the guide for government agencies and also sets broad goals for others (commercial and private) making the transition.

Australia is doubling down on its commitment to quantum technology, aiming to transform the sector into a $6 billion industry that could employ nearly 20,000 Australians by 2045, according to the latest State of Australian Quantum report.

Quantum technologies could generate up to £8 billion in economic value for the UK transport sector by 2035, according to a report from the Department for Transport (DfT).

Sparkle, a leading international service provider, has launched its Network as a Service (NaaS) product suite with Quantum-Safe over Internet (QSI), a groundbreaking solution that enables companies to establish quantum-secure connections. This innovative service allows businesses in France, Greece, and the UK to pre-order and test quantum-safe connectivity services on their networks. QSI utilizes post-quantum encryption to protect against potential security threats posed by quantum computing.

The Japanese government will support the development of quantum encryption technology by 2030, enlisting partners potentially including Toshiba and NEC in an effort to defend against the next-generation of cyberattacks, Nikkei has learned. The Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications will provide the assistance to selected quantum encryption developers, with applications set to begin as soon as next year. The effort will involve tens of billions of yen (10 billion yen equals $68 million) in public-private investment over five years starting fiscal 2025.

TNO has announced the launch of its new project, Qu-STAR, dedicated to advancing the development of a global quantum internet by using the role of satellites in quantum information networks. As noted in the release, quantum devices face distance-imposed limitations when connected through ground networks, which restrict quantum information exchange to just a few hundred kilometers. Satellites may provide a solution to realizing worldwide quantum connectivity, with TNO’s Qu-STAR project actively working towards realizing this resolution.

Toshiba Digital Solutions Corporation (Toshiba), the Toshiba Group company of digital and quantum technology businesses, alongside its strategic partner SpeQtral, a leading quantum communications technology company, have announced the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with ST Engineering, a global technology, defence and engineering group, to formalize their strategic alliance and strengthen their go-to-market strategy for quantum-secure communications solutions in Singapore and Southeast Asia.

To introduce quantum networks into the marketplace, engineers must overcome the fragility of entangled states in a fiber cable and ensure the efficiency of signal delivery. Now, scientists at Qunnect Inc. in Brooklyn, New York, have taken a large step forward by operating just such a network under the streets of New York City.

The aim of the research network "Quantum Key Distribution with CubeSat (QUBE)" is to develop and demonstrate core technologies for worldwide tap-proof communication using satellite-based quantum key distribution. QUBE launched into space on 16 August 2024.