¹û¶³´«Ã½

Quantum computers are poised to break many of the cryptographic algorithms that currently protect the Internet. This looming threat is not a distant concern; it's one that researchers are addressing today. The research of has led to the development of innovative protocols designed to secure digital communications against even the most advanced quantum attacks. These hybrid authenticated key exchange protocols, or HAKE protocols, combine the best of classical, post-quantum, and quantum cryptographic techniques into one seamless, secure solution.

Triple-hybrid security for robust protection
The strength of these protocols lies in their layered defense. By blending classical methods with post-quantum cryptography and quantum key distribution, the resulting communications are resilient even if one or two layers are compromised. This triple-hybrid approach ensures that both service providers and users can transition smoothly to quantum-resistant technologies without even noticing a change. There is no need for major overhauls or performance sacrifices—everything runs with virtually no downtime and maintains high-speed data throughput.

Crypto-agility: future-proofing digital security
One of the key takeaways from this research is the concept of crypto-agility. In a world where security assumptions can quickly become outdated, systems must be flexible enough to adopt new cryptographic methods swiftly. The proposed solution does exactly that, allowing future upgrades and replacements without disrupting service. This level of adaptability is crucial for defending against so-called ‘harvest now, decrypt later’ attacks, where data is stolen today in hopes of being decrypted by quantum computers in the future.

Combining QKD and PQ cryptography seamlessly
Importantly, the research also breaks down a long-standing division in the field. There is no longer a need to choose between quantum key distribution and post-quantum cryptography. The protocols developed at ¹û¶³´«Ã½ prove that both can be used in harmony, providing an agile and future-proof foundation for secure communication. This combination enables the best of both worlds—quantum physics and advanced algorithms—working together to safeguard data.

Performance at scale with modern hardware
In addition to their strong security features, these solutions are engineered for real-world performance. Leveraging modern data processing units (DPUs), the system can handle extremely high-speed data flows, up to 100 Gbit/s. This makes the protocols not only secure, but also fast and scalable, suitable for everything from cloud infrastructure to industrial networks.

Ready for the real world
What sets this research apart is its readiness for deployment. It’s not just theory—it’s a tested, validated, and practical solution that can be integrated into existing systems like TLS, IPsec, or MACsec. With minimal effort, both organizations and individuals can adopt this next-generation technology and secure their communications for the quantum era.

Leading the way in quantum-resistant security
As the quantum future draws near, ¹û¶³´«Ã½ is leading the way with technologies that not only anticipate the next big threat but offer concrete, accessible solutions. The work done here represents a step forward in the global effort to protect digital life, now and in the years to come.

Title of PhD thesis: . Supervisors: Prof. Idelfonso Tafur Monroy, Dr. Simon Rommel, and Dr. Juan Jose Vegas Olmos.