The companies have worked together to successfully develop, demonstrate and validate a Mobile Access Capability Package (MACP) architecture that 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 innovation introduces a 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 Controller E810. The MACP architecture meets CSfC security requirements while eliminating the scale and logistics issues of traditional key management methods, modernising secure mobile access to classified data.

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.

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.

“Mission-critical networks require more than Zero Trust, they demand quantum-resilient security and edge intelligence,” said Andy Leaver, CEO of Arqit. “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.”

“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.”

“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.”

Source: Arqit

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Under the agreement, a variety of performance measures and interoperabilities will be examined to demonstrate and validate the contribution that QuantumCloudTM can make to DoD facilities. The expected outcome of the CRADA is to prove viable quantum encryption services from a commercial platform to DoD infrastructure for USAF and wider DoD use cases.

Commenting on the CRADA, Capt. Steven Long for the Air Force Research Laboratory said, “The planned collaboration with Arqit under this agreement will highlight the performance and configurability of the Research Lab’s ground to space quantum infrastructure. This opportunity provided by Arqit gives us the ability to demonstrate a quantum communications channel with a commercial partner and conduct various scientific research experiments at the same time. This is made possible by Arqit’s advances in practical usability of quantum encryption in the private sector. By forming a relationship, we hope to remain at the cuttingedge of quantum technology, and highlight the important relationships we have with our international partners and allies.”

Arqit Founder Chairman and CEO David Williams said, “We are honored to sign a CRADA with the USAF. They have a fantastic pedigree for embracing and developing pioneering technology and given its lead status in areas like directed energy, cyber warfare, and Joint All-Domain Command and Control (JADC2), the USAF is the perfect partner for us not only in developing applications for US Government users but also for other Five-Eyes partners.”

Source: Arqit

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Arqit and Virgin Orbit are collaborating on responsive space initiatives serving the nations of the Five Eyes (FVEY) international intelligence alliance, comprising of Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Arqit announced in September at the G7 conference the creation of a program called “Federated Quantum System.” This is a private instance of Arqit’s QuantumCloud technology that allied defence departments requiring sovereign control over mission critical encryption can purchase from Arqit. These long-term, high-value subscription contracts involve Arqit’s supply of ring-fenced dedicated systems. Arqit has committed to launch such additional customer funded systems exclusively with Virgin Orbit, and that contract allows for up to five launches that will be realized as anticipated government contracts move forward to utilize Arqit’s services.

The parties are also pleased to announce that the QuantumCloud Software License signed between the companies in parallel to the launch services agreement will also enable Virgin Orbit to use Arqit’s world-leading platform to provide market-leading encryption to secure Virgin Orbit’s global infrastructure. Thus, Virgin Orbit becomes the world’s first quantum safe launch services provider.

Dan Hart, chief executive officer of Virgin Orbit, said, “I am delighted to advance such a comprehensive collaboration with Arqit. Supporting Arqit’s long term subscription agreements with its defense department customers is important and rewarding business for us. Following a year of increased awareness of cyber risks to businesses and governments, we’re excited for the opportunity to provide our customers with the promise that Arqit’s unique QuantumCloud system can keep their mission safe.”

“I am delighted that another prestigious global brand has decided to use QuantumCloud to keep their customers’ assets safe,” said David Williams, founder, chairman and CEO of Arqit. “It is also great to be able to rely in Virgin Orbit’s responsive launch capability to support the private instance contracts that we are selling to our government and defense customers. This sales campaign has proceeded well in the last few months. The revenues from these contracts are expected to provide strong underpinning to our profitability whilst the global Platform-as-a-Service rolls out more generally. So, it is critical that these systems are deployed when we need them, And Virgin can give that to us.”

Source: Virgin Orbit

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Arqit invented a system which uses satellites to distribute quantum keys to data centers. These keys are delivered using a new patented protocol called ARQ19, which solves the “Global versus Trustless” problem which previously prevented the adoption of Satellite Quantum Key Distribution (QKD). Arqit further invented a method, called QuantumCloud to translate the benefits of this quantum key distribution to any form of endpoint or cloud machine without the need for any special hardware. The first version of QuantumCloudTM launches for live service to commercial customers in 2021.

Government customers typically have more stringent requirements for control and are more inclined to buy “Private Instances” of cloud technology rather than managed services. Arqit has therefore designed a different version of its technology to meet this need and has recruited a strong community of partners from allied countries to collaborate in bringing the FQS system to use.

Collaboration partners include BT, Sumitomo Corporation, Northrop Grumman, Leonardo, QinetiQ Space N.V., qtlabs and Honeywell. Other Western Allied countries are expected to announce their inclusion during 2021.

FQS has been developed with support from the UK Space Agency (UKSA through its National Space Innovation Programme). The system consists of dedicated satellites, control systems and QuantumCloudTM software. It will be provided to the UK’s ‘Five Eyes’ allied governments and other international partners, allowing sovereign protection of strategic national assets and interoperability for joint operations.

The first FQS satellites are to be integrated and tested at the National Satellite Test Facility in Harwell near Oxford and are expected to be launched on Virgin Orbit’s LauncherOne from Newquay in Cornwall in 2023, after the launch of the first commercial Arqit satellites. The role of Virgin Orbit in providing responsive launch services for government customers from any location is additive to the plan to deploy many FQS satellites to support the needs of a growing list of allied country partners.

Arqit’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer David Williams said, “FQS enables collaboration between NATO-allied governments around the world to form a federated version of QuantumCloudTM infrastructure. It also enables the Joint All Domain Command and Control vision to come to life. The FQS system is global in its nature, and there is now strong momentum in an international consortium joining forces to bring it into use.”

Source: Arqit

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