DarkMatter, the international cyber security firm headquartered in the UAE, has extended the depth of its research function with the addition of several globally respected cryptographers to its ranks.
The firm is concurrently working in partnership with research institutions on developing the highest level cryptographic algorithms in an area known as post-quantum cryptography.
The research team based in the United Arab Emirates includes notable mathematicians who possess a long list of globally protected patents in cryptography and security algorithms in their names. The complete team comprises all PhD holders in revolutionary research such as quantum mechanics and D-wave computing, and who have set global security standards for organisations as diverse as Motorola, IBM, T. J Watson, CertiCom, BlackBerry and the National Security Agency.
Polynomial-time quantum algorithms for attacking cryptographic standards based on RSA and Elliptic Curve Discrete Logarithms are a reality. Hence, the team’s effort is fundamental to meeting the future requirements of asymmetric cryptography and transition to “Quantum Resistant” cryptographic algorithms that are expected to be resistant to cryptanalysis by quantum methods. Such algorithms will be adapted to various platforms and covers, and provide at least signatures, encryption, or key exchange.
Commenting on DarkMatter’s work in the area of post-quantum cryptography, Faisal Al Bannai, Founder and Chief Executive Officer said, “Our focus is to reinvent the future of cyber security through leading-edge research by developing products that offer new capabilities and heightened protection. Secure encryption is a key focus area and we have assembled a best-in-class team of renowned cryptographers to work on developing the highest integrity in this area. It is also important for us to conduct this important research from our base in the UAE, echoing the innovative culture of the country.”
The post-quantum crypto research team is also working in partnership with a number of leading research institutions, with globally-renowned cryptographers working as advisors, many of who are pioneers in the field.
Dr. Najwa Aaraj, Senior Vice President of Special Projects at DarkMatter said, “Recent ground breaking research efforts on electrons quantum behaviours, photons absorption based on shape and wavelength variability, and light-matter interactions patterns are strong indicators that quantum computers are a likely reality within the next five years. Hence, it is important to transition to post-quantum crypto as soon as possible, re-implement existing public key infrastructure and strengthen symmetric algorithms used. This will enable us to preserve the confidentiality of keys exchanged that are used for symmetric encryption, the security and authenticity of digital signatures, and the security of encryption. DarkMatter post-quantum crypto-focused research and development efforts will enable such a transition as we design, develop and implement algorithms, deployable on a wide range of platforms that provide signatures, encryption, and key exchange.”
A further research team within DarkMatter is currently investigating advancements in “quantum technologies” such as Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) and Quantum Random Generators (QRNG) and their applied aspects within today’s and future platforms.
