As quantum computing advances, it poses a serious threat to current encryption standards. Finnish cybersecurity startup Xiphera is working to future-proof critical infrastructure against this emerging risk.
Most products nowadays rely on software-based encryption algorithms. Within their operational ecosystem, a complex interplay unfolds among the operating system, third-party libraries, and processor architecture. Any vulnerability in these components could spell trouble for the system's security. In contrast, hardware-based encryption solutions offer a more fortified approach, reducing potential points of attack on the system while simultaneously boosting overall performance and cutting down on system power consumption.
Xiphera provides hardware-based security solutions centered around cryptography IP cores. These building blocks allow equipment manufacturers to embed security into their products. The target sectors are defense, telecoms, data centers, industrial automation, and automotive. Satellites and other space tech are also part of critical infrastructure that can benefit from Xiphera's offerings.
"Our products are under export control license. We cannot ship our products without an export license," explains CEO Matti Tommiska. This dual military-civilian use prevents exporting to Russia, while exporting to China requires an export license. However, it has led to increased demand from democratic countries wanting to reduce dependency on potentially compromised foreign supply chains.
Xiphera's post-quantum cryptography will secure systems against future quantum computing attacks. It also provides traditional cryptography like encryption algorithms and TLS protocol implementations. True random number generation enables key generation for encryption.
The IP cores run on FPGA or ASIC platforms. FPGAs allow reconfiguring functionality, while ASICs offer lower power consumption and costs but require upfront investment. Customers can prototype on FPGAs before migrating to ASICs.
Xiphera sells solely to private sector manufacturers, though the end-customers may be government-affiliated. Grants provide additional funding but aren't counted as revenue. Despite limited resources, Tommiska sees ample business development opportunities through partnerships.
Xiphera partners with major semiconductor industry leaders like Intel, AMD, Lattice, Microchip, Bittware, Spinnaker Systems, and Muspark to deliver hardware encryption solutions. While the startup is currently Finland-based, they are looking to expand with sales partners, R&D, and local support in Asia. Taiwan is a particular focus, given its position in semiconductors. Tommiska highlights cryptographic solutions for securing the Taiwanese supply chain against tampering.
With the ubiquity of cyber threats, he believes all organizations must implement cryptographic defenses to secure critical data and infrastructure. Xiphera aims to provide the bedrock for trustworthy systems, even as quantum computing looms on the horizon.
