The future of encryption in a post-quantum world
As quantum computing speeds edge closer to practical use, the ‘harvest now, decrypt later’ approach is already in motion with adversaries collecting encrypted data today, anticipating they'll be able to crack it tomorrow. But is enough being done to prevent it?
New research from Forescout highlights the urgent need for organizations to prepare for a future where quantum-capable adversaries can break widely used cryptographic protocols.
Encryption adoption up but sensitive data is still at risk
Encryption adoption has soared to 94 percent, but inconsistent application continues to put sensitive data at risk, finds a new survey.
The study from secure storage maker Apricorn shows that 59 percent of IT security decision makers say encryption has increased, allowing them to better protect their data, including on lost/stolen devices.
Elon Musk confirms everyone is getting the 'all new' XChat this week, complete with 'Bitcoin style encryption'
Looking to compete with the likes of Signal, Elon Musk is ready to rollout XChat to all users of his X social platform. Rather than being a separate app for chatting, however, XChat is essentially just direct messaging within X -- so who is it for, and what does it have to offer?
Taking inspiration from numerous sources, Musk says that in addition to text-based messaging, there is also video and audio calling. Other features include vanishing messages, the option to “send any kind of file”, and an undetailed encryption system.
Quantum solution aims to secure communication using satellites
Today is World Quantum Day -- which probably means that it simultaneously both is and isn't. Seriously though, we're used to hearing dire warnings about how quantum computing threatens encryption and private communication, but of course it can also be part of the solution.
A new alliance between Partisia, a leader in multiparty computation (MPC), Squareroot8, a provider of quantum-safe communication solutions and NuSpace, a company specializing in IoT connectivity services and Satellite-As-A-Service wants to place a Quantum Random Number Generator (QRNG) on a satellite in space.
Microsoft’s Majorana 1 quantum chip could break encryption and expose your data to hackers
Microsoft is moving closer to quantum computing supremacy with the arrival of its new Majorana 1 chip, a development which could potentially have a far-reaching impact on cybersecurity. While the Windows-maker touts this as progress, the reality is far more concerning. The encryption that protects banking transactions, government data, and personal communications could soon be worthless.
Microsoft's advancement comes down to Microsoft’s new topoconductor material, which enables a type of quantum computing that scales far beyond anything possible today. “We took a step back and said ‘OK, let’s invent the transistor for the quantum age. What properties does it need to have?’” said Chetan Nayak, Microsoft technical fellow. “And that’s really how we got here -- it’s the particular combination, the quality and the important details in our new materials stack that have enabled a new kind of qubit and ultimately our entire architecture.”
UK government asks Apple to give it backdoor access to encrypted user data
The UK government has used the Investigatory Powers Act (IPA) to issue Apple with a “technical capability notice” requiring the company to create a backdoor into its encrypted cloud services. The Home Office is specifically interested in bypassing the encryption that secures Apple’s Advanced Data Protection (ADP) service.
This cloud service includes a wealth of user data and, thanks to the use of end-to-end encryption, cannot be accessed by anyone other than the account holder. The UK government demand is part of legislation that forces companies to help law enforcement with investigations, but creating a backdoor would allow a level of access that even Apple does not currently have -- and there are concerns about the potential for abuse.
The role of encryption in the cybersecurity landscape [Q&A]
Despite being an effective tool for safeguarding sensitive information, encryption remains underutilized by many organizations, leaving them vulnerable to cyber threats.
Many companies still rely on perimeter security measures, viewing encryption as optional rather than essential. Misconceptions about the complexity and cost of encryption further hinder its adoption, leading to a reactive approach that often waits for a data breach before taking action.
The challenge of encrypted traffic for network defenders [Q&A]
When it comes to protecting sensitive information like financial data, personal information, and intellectual property, encryption has become a must. By scrambling data through the use of algorithms, only those with access to decryption keys are able to read what's being secured.
Encrypted traffic has fulfilled its intended mission: to lock down data. But, could it simultaneously be helping bad actors slip by undetected? And could encrypted traffic actually make it harder for network defenders to spot threats before it's too late?
Free calendar app offers quantum-safe encryption
Quantum computing presents a substantial problem for securing systems because of its potential to crack existing encryption protocols.
However, the industry is beginning to gear up to face the threat. Tuta, the email provider with the world's first quantum-safe encryption for email, is now launching its new stand-alone encrypted calendar app.
Encrypted privacy for the public's safety
One of the many challenges government and local authorities constantly face is that of keeping up with changes and innovations coming from the outside: conflicts and emergencies, environmental factors, inputs from industries and productions and, of course, evolving technologies. Whether these are developed in the private or public sector, or the academic community, it is unquestionable that tech innovations are tightly woven into everyday life.
These innovations frequently move forward at a speedy pace, spreading across different fields and inevitably reaching a level of integration that can no longer be left to the sole responsibility of the individuals. Thankfully, governments and organizations are increasingly wisening up when it comes to new and emerging technologies, whether this means creating ad hoc policies and regulations (the UK AI bill, the European AI act, the American Privacy Rights Act, or Chat Control) or taking targeted actions towards specific platforms or providers compromising users’ privacy like the TikTok ban for federal and state employees in the USA.
Proton launches privacy-focused document editing and sharing
Web services company Proton has long been known for its privacy-centered products including Proton VPN and encrypted cloud storage in the form of Proton Drive.
Today the Swiss company is launching Docs in Proton Drive, a secure and end-to-end encrypted document creation, editing, and collaboration tool integrated with Proton's existing cloud storage product.
Microsoft offers temporary workaround for 'Microsoft Outlook was not able to create a message with restricted permission' error
Over the last few months, there have been numerous complaints from users of Microsoft Outlook that they are unable to reply to encrypted emails. An error message that reads "Microsoft Outlook was not able to create a message with restricted permission" is displayed.
While Microsoft has acknowledged the issue in the desktop email client, the company is yet to fix it properly. There is, however, a temporary workaround that can be used to make it possible to reply to encrypted emails.
Proton Mail launches desktop app for Windows, macOS, and Linux
Today, Proton Mail has expanded its secure communication platform with the launch of a dedicated desktop app, which was previously released in beta. The new desktop app complements Proton Mail’s existing web and mobile applications, ensuring users can maintain their email privacy across all devices without being confined to a web browser.
Proton Mail aims to provide users with the ability to access their email in their preferred manner without compromising privacy. The new desktop app addresses the privacy concerns associated with using email services like Outlook, which shares data with numerous external partners, and the risks of accessing emails through browsers like Chrome, which can expose browsing history to advertisers or be exploited by malicious browser extensions.
Meta adds a new label to show whether third-party WhatsApp chats are secure
New rules in Europe means that WhatsApp will have to offer interoperability with other messaging apps and platforms. This is something that Meta has already been talking about, having published its preference for third parties to use the Signal Protocol as the foundation for these E2EE communications.
Use of the Signal Protocol will not be a requirement for interoperability, but whatever protocol is used by a third-party messaging app or platform, it will need to show they offer "the same security guarantees as Signal". To communicate security to users, WhatsApp is introducing a new "end-to-end encrypted" label that will be added to secure chats.
New resource helps enterprises prepare for post-quantum security
Cybersecurity company Thales is launching a first-of-its-kind Post Quantum Cryptography (PQC) Starter Kit in collaboration with Quantinuum, aimed at supporting enterprises in their transition to a post-quantum era and helping them understand the implications that quantum computing will have on the security of their infrastructure.
While 73 percent of organizations recognize quantum computing poses a threat to traditional cryptography, 61 percent have yet to define a strategy for a post-quantum world.
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