Quantum Companies at the Forefront of Safeguarding Critical Infrastructure Against Future Cyber Attacks

Two Ontario companies, Metropolitan Technologies and Quantum Bridge Technologies, are collaborating to enhance Canada’s critical infrastructure against potential cyberattacks, particularly those leveraging future quantum computing capabilities. With $1.2 million in support from the federally funded Digital Innovation Cluster (DIGITAL), the two firms are working on a pioneering quantum-safe cybersecurity solution. Their project is also backed by Thales, a global leader in advanced technology solutions, including cybersecurity.

DIGITAL's investment is part of a broader commitment, with $4.7 million allocated across three projects, alongside an additional $7.3 million from private partners. Daly Brown, CEO of Metropolitan Technologies, emphasized this initiative as an essential step in addressing vulnerabilities in critical infrastructure that were not designed for today’s interconnected world. Traditional cryptography, he noted, is becoming increasingly inadequate in the face of impending quantum computing prospects.

To counter these risks, the project aims to implement a cybersecurity platform currently undergoing independent testing by the University of Toronto, validating it against future quantum threats. Quantum Bridge Technologies has recently achieved a significant milestone by meeting the standards of the U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Cryptographic Algorithm Validation Program.

Co-founder and CEO Mattia Montagna stressed the urgency of this endeavor, highlighting the need to safeguard valuable data against future threats. He pointed out that sensitive information collected by hospitals, military records, and intellectual property must remain secure for years to come. He urged that the infrastructure utilized today will still be relevant in the coming decades, necessitating a design that is resistant to quantum attacks.

The pilot project has garnered considerable support from various industry stakeholders, reinforcing confidence that the companies are addressing a critical issue. Brown acknowledged that backing from entities like DIGITAL enhances the project's credibility and visibility. Furthermore, the funding is set to strengthen relationships between Quantum Bridge, Metropolitan Technologies, and Thales, which has been actively engaged in research and development of Post Quantum Cryptography (PQC) since 2013.

Thales brings valuable experience in hybrid cryptography solutions, marrying traditional and PQC approaches, demonstrated through its FIPS-compliant High Speed Encryptors. Lionel Merrien, Thales' VP of Strategy and Innovation for Cybersecurity Products in Canada, expressed commitment to collaboration with Canadian institutions, aiming to fortify digital security and advance post-quantum cryptography.

The project has also benefited from community support within the Kitchener-Waterloo tech ecosystem, with Brown highlighting the positive impact of participating in the Communitech Investment Readiness Track. Montagna, drawn to quantum technology and cryptography, shared his excitement for developing quantum-secure communications in Canada, particularly along the Toronto-Waterloo corridor.

In summary, this collaborative initiative between Metropolitan Technologies and Quantum Bridge Technologies not only addresses the looming cybersecurity threats posed by quantum computing but also consolidates Canadian leadership in the development of next-generation cryptographic solutions. The combined efforts, supported by significant investments, bring together innovative firms and established technology leaders, positioning Canada at the forefront of safeguarding critical infrastructure in an increasingly digital world.