Introducing the SealSQ QS7001 post quantum security solution
The SEALSQ QS7001 represents a leap forward in secure hardware design, combining cutting-edge quantum-resistant cryptographic algorithms with high-performance features. Built on a secure RISC-V platform, this innovative solution is designed to meet the security challenges of a quantum-enabled future.
Equipped with NIST-appointed Kyber (Key Encapsulation Mechanism) and Dilithium (Signature Scheme) post-quantum algorithms, the QS7001 provides unmatched data protection against both classical and quantum computational threats. Its robust architecture, flexible integration, and energy-efficient performance make it ideal for applications ranging from IoT and industrial automation to financial services and secure communications.
In this article, we’ll explore the capabilities and benefits of the QS7001, highlighting its advanced cryptographic performance and practical applications. A video demonstration showcasing its ground-breaking quantum-resistant technology will also provide engineers with a deeper understanding of its potential.
1. Why Quantum Resistance Matters
As quantum computing advances, the security of traditional cryptographic systems is increasingly at risk. Many of today’s widely used encryption protocols, such as RSA and ECC, rely on computational problems that classical computers struggle to solve but can be easily broken by quantum algorithms like Shor’s algorithm. This looming threat makes post-quantum cryptography (PQC) a necessity for organisations that handle sensitive data, from financial transactions to industrial IoT security.
The Shift Toward Post-Quantum Cryptography
Quantum Threats to Classical Encryption
RSA, ECC, and DH key exchange rely on integer factorisation and discrete logarithm problems, both of which can be solved efficiently by large-scale quantum computers.
Once a quantum computer reaches a sufficient number of logical qubits, these encryption methods could be rendered obsolete.
Post-Quantum Cryptography as the Solution
The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has led a global effort to identify cryptographic algorithms resistant to quantum attacks.
Algorithms like Kyber (Key Encapsulation Mechanism) and Dilithium (Digital Signatures) have been selected as part of the NIST PQC Standardisation Process, ensuring long-term security against quantum threats.
The Importance of Future-Proofing Security
Many industries, including finance, healthcare, industrial automation, and national security, require data protection that extends for decades.
Organisations must begin migrating to post-quantum secure hardware now to avoid vulnerabilities when large-scale quantum computers emerge.
SEALSQ’s Approach to Post-Quantum Security
To address these concerns, SEALSQ has introduced the QS7001, a dedicated post-quantum security hardware platform that integrates quantum-resistant cryptographic algorithms while maintaining high performance and energy efficiency. Built on RISC-V architecture, the QS7001 leverages Kyber and Dilithium to provide robust encryption and authentication, ensuring long-term security in a post-quantum world.
2. QS7001 Key Features
The SEALSQ QS7001 is designed to provide post-quantum security in a high-performance, power-efficient hardware platform. Built on a RISC-V secure microcontroller, it integrates Kyber and Dilithium cryptographic algorithms to deliver robust encryption and authentication resistant to quantum attacks.
RISC-V Secure Microcontroller Architecture
Fully independent, open-source architecture ensuring long-term viability without reliance on proprietary instruction sets.
Optimised for post-quantum cryptography, supporting efficient execution of quantum-resistant algorithms.
Integrated Post-Quantum Cryptographic Algorithms
Kyber (Key Encapsulation Mechanism - KEM) for secure key exchange, offering quantum-resistant encryption with minimal computational overhead.
Dilithium (Digital Signature Algorithm - DSA) for secure authentication, ensuring long-term data integrity and verification.
Efficient implementation reducing power and processing requirements compared to traditional PQC solutions.
Low Power Consumption and High Performance
Optimised for energy efficiency, making it suitable for embedded and battery-powered applications.
High-speed cryptographic execution enables secure communications without performance bottlenecks.
Comparative performance advantage over traditional secure microcontrollers (e.g., MS6003), with lower power usage and faster cryptographic operations.
Hardware Security Features
Secure boot with PQC signature verification to prevent unauthorised firmware modifications.
On-chip random number generator (TRNG) for enhanced cryptographic security.
Tamper detection and resistance against side-channel attacks.
By integrating post-quantum security algorithms within a dedicated hardware platform, the QS7001 ensures future-proof encryption and authentication for IoT, industrial, and secure communications applications.
3. Post-Quantum Cryptography in Action
The SEALSQ QS7001 implements Kyber and Dilithium, two of the NIST-standardised post-quantum cryptographic algorithms, to provide secure key exchange and authentication in a world where quantum computing threatens classical encryption.
Kyber: Quantum-Resistant Key Encapsulation Mechanism (KEM)
Kyber is designed for public-key encryption and key establishment while ensuring security against quantum attacks.
Lattice-based cryptography provides resistance to attacks from both classical and quantum computers.
Efficient key generation and exchange, minimising computational overhead while securing encrypted communications.
Lower bandwidth requirements compared to traditional asymmetric cryptographic schemes, making it ideal for IoT and embedded systems.
In real-world applications, Kyber enables secure data transmission, end-to-end encryption, and key management without the vulnerabilities of RSA or ECC-based systems.
Dilithium: Post-Quantum Digital Signature Algorithm (DSA)
Dilithium is a digital signature algorithm that ensures message integrity, authentication, and non-repudiation in post-quantum environments.
Fast signing and verification speeds, outperforming traditional ECDSA and RSA signatures in terms of efficiency.
Resistant to forgery and quantum-based attacks, ensuring long-term integrity for secure transactions and communications.
Compact signature sizes optimised for bandwidth efficiency in constrained environments.
With Dilithium, the QS7001 can verify firmware updates, authenticate transactions, and secure digital identities in applications ranging from industrial IoT to financial transactions.
Comparing PQC on the QS7001 vs Traditional Secure MCUs
A performance comparison between the QS7001 and a conventional secure microcontroller (MS6003) highlights the advantages of dedicated PQC hardware:
Feature | QS7001 (PQC) | Traditional Secure MCU (e.g., MS6003) |
Key Exchange | Kyber (PQC) | ECC / RSA (Quantum-Vulnerable) |
Authentication | Dilithium (PQC) | ECDSA / RSA (Quantum-Vulnerable) |
Power Consumption | Lower | Higher |
Processing Speed | Optimised for PQC | Slower due to software-based PQC |
Security Lifespan | Future-Proof | At Risk from Quantum Threats |
By leveraging Kyber and Dilithium, the QS7001 provides a future-proof cryptographic solution, significantly outperforming legacy secure microcontrollers in both efficiency and resistance to quantum attacks.
4. Applications Across Industries
The SEALSQ QS7001 is designed to provide long-term cryptographic security for industries that require data integrity, authentication, and secure communications in a post-quantum era. Its low-power, high-performance, and quantum-resistant architecture makes it ideal for a range of applications across IoT, industrial automation, finance, and secure communications.
IoT Security & Industrial Automation
As the Internet of Things (IoT) expands, devices must securely communicate without being vulnerable to quantum-enabled attacks. The QS7001 ensures end-to-end encryption and authentication for connected devices.
Smart meters and energy infrastructure → Protects against cyber threats targeting critical infrastructure.
Industrial control systems (ICS) → Prevents unauthorised access and ensures firmware integrity.
Secure boot & remote firmware updates → Guarantees device authenticity and prevents tampering.
Financial & Payment Systems
The financial industry is a primary target for cyberattacks, making post-quantum cryptography essential for secure transactions and digital authentication.
End-to-end encryption for banking and payment systems → Protects financial data from future quantum decryption.
Digital identity & secure authentication → Ensures long-term security for multi-factor authentication (MFA) and identity verification.
Blockchain & cryptocurrency security → Future-proofs cryptographic signing and transaction validation against quantum threats.
Secure Communications & Government Applications
Governments and enterprises handling classified information require cryptographic solutions that remain secure for decades. The QS7001 delivers quantum-resistant encryption for secure data transmission and long-term confidentiality.
Military & aerospace communications → Protects sensitive data in defence applications.
Critical infrastructure (telecom, power grids, satellites) → Ensures secure data transmission and prevents cyber threats.
Post-quantum VPN & encrypted messaging → Maintains privacy and security in global communications networks.
By integrating Kyber and Dilithium post-quantum cryptography into a dedicated hardware platform, the QS7001 provides robust protection against emerging cyber threats, ensuring data integrity and security in high-risk industries.
5. Technical Specifications
The SEALSQ QS7001 is built on a RISC-V secure microcontroller optimised for post-quantum cryptography, ensuring both high-performance execution and low-power operation. Its architecture integrates Kyber and Dilithium, providing quantum-resistant key exchange and authentication while maintaining efficiency for embedded and IoT applications.
Core Hardware Architecture
Processor: RISC-V secure microcontroller
Cryptographic Acceleration: Dedicated PQC hardware optimised for Kyber (KEM) and Dilithium (DSA)
Secure Boot: Post-quantum signature verification to prevent firmware tampering
On-Chip Random Number Generator (TRNG): Provides high-entropy values for encryption
Post-Quantum Cryptographic Performance
Power and Efficiency
Optimised for low-power applications → Suitable for IoT, industrial, and embedded systems.
Lower computational overhead than software-based PQC implementations → Reduces processing demands on host systems.
High energy efficiency → Enables longer operational lifespans in battery-powered devices.
Communication & Integration
Interfaces: SPI, I²C, UART for flexible integration into security-critical applications.
Scalability: Designed for integration into IoT, industrial automation, financial, and government security systems.
Tamper Resistance: Built-in physical security measures to prevent side-channel attacks.
With its dedicated PQC cryptographic engine, secure boot functionality, and low-power architecture, the QS7001 provides a future-proof security solution for high-risk industries transitioning to quantum-resistant cryptography.
6. Conclusion
As quantum computing advances, traditional encryption methods are becoming increasingly vulnerable. The SEALSQ QS7001 addresses this challenge by integrating Kyber and Dilithium post-quantum cryptography into a RISC-V secure microcontroller, providing future-proof security for IoT, industrial, financial, and government applications.
With dedicated cryptographic acceleration, secure boot with PQC verification, and low-power operation, the QS7001 offers a scalable, high-performance security solution that meets the demands of next-generation secure systems. Its ability to provide quantum-resistant encryption and authentication ensures long-term data integrity and protection across critical industries.
For engineers and security professionals looking to future-proof their applications, the QS7001 represents a key step toward post-quantum security readiness.
👉 Get in touch to learn more about the QS7001, request samples, or discuss how SEALSQ’s solutions can secure your next-generation applications.