The deal will see Arqit become an independent software vendor (ISV) of Intel and its technology sold by Intel on a revenue-sharing basis.
Specifically, Arqit’s symmetric key agreement platform will be integrated into Intel Xeon D-based network cards and server infrastructure.
Intel and Arqit’s joint products are available immediately, with Arqit revealing that major telecom companies have already begun the processes of enabling and deploying the technology.
Arqit spokespeople said the company was “excited” to advance its work with Intel, and that the ISV certification kicks off a global go-to-market business strategy.
Arqit and Intel have already partnered to test quantum key technology, but the latest initiative takes it from a trial to a full commercial partnership.
As quantum computing continues to develop, existing methods for encrypting data passing between two devices are becoming increasingly obsolete, as the advanced computing power of a quantum system can easily decrypt and access it.
As a result, several new methods are being tested to secure data against quantum decryption techniques, commonly referred to as post-quantum cryptography.
Explaining Arqit’s approach, CEO David Williams described symmetric encryption as “the gold standard for post-quantum protection,” in an interview with Capacity earlier this year.
This involves the parties sharing a randomly created key so that both parties involved can access the data rather than solving a mathematical problem, which is what classical cryptography and some post-quantum methods rely on.
Symmetric key distribution is further enhanced by dynamic rotating authentication, Williams explains, which means that even if the key is seen by an unintended third party, the window of exploitation is minimized because the key changes every second.
Intel has a significant market share in networking chips and as such, the implementation of a ready-to-use, quantum-secure solution is an important development for Arqit’s key market segment of connecting point-to-point network connections.
She acknowledged that the threat to data from quantum decryption is already present.
Although the development of a fully operational quantum computer will still be several years away, it is likely that malicious actors will store data for later decryption, the company says.
Intel also believes it is important for the industry as a whole to get ahead of the curve and begin implementing post-quantum encryption now, as development times for protection can outpace decryption capabilities.
“Recent White House executive orders and memoranda regarding the future of quantum computing and the associated cybersecurity risks underscore the urgent need to protect data now,” Intel said.
