Carahsoft Partners with PQShield Ltd for Quantum-Safe Future
PQShield and Carahsoft Partner to Promote Post-Quantum Cryptography in U.S. Government Agencies
PQShield Ltd
Carahsoft Technology Corp., a Master Government Aggregator and The Trusted Government IT Solutions Provider, and PQShield, a leading post-quantum cryptography (PQC) solutions provider, formed a strategic agreement. This alliance aims to accelerate US federal agencies' quantum-safe cryptography transition. Carahsoft will be PQShield's Master Government Aggregator, ensuring Public Sector access to the company's PQC products.
The collaboration addresses the increased pressure on defence and federal departments to update encryption infrastructure. The emergence of powerful quantum computers threatens standard cryptography, making this update necessary. The NSA's NSM-10 and CNSA 2.0 regulations are rigorously followed in this project. These rules require PQC technology by 2030.
Ben Packman, PQShield's Chief Strategy Officer, said this relationship is essential for government agencies to transition to post-quantum. Packman said the new NIST recommendations promote post-quantum security. He noted that NIST-aligned, quantum-safe items are in the global supply chain.
Packman stressed the need for increased education and explicit guidance for organisations on the importance of these standards and how they affect security tasks, along with continual technology improvement, to hasten adoption.
He stated that such agreements are vital because quantum technology is projected to initially threaten government agencies and critical national infrastructure.
The NIST-mandated 2035 phase-out of weak cryptographic algorithms like RSA emphasises the need of this reform. PQShield and Carahsoft are helping government clients fulfil the 2035 NSA and NCSC post-quantum cryptography deadline.
PQShield's Knowledge and Comprehensive Products Its expertise in NIST PQC standards makes PQShield famous. PQShield team co-authored every NIST PQC standard released to date, proving this knowledge. The company quickly provides its specialised knowledge to government deployments. In addition to standards contributions, PQShield incorporates complex security protocols, patented technologies, and unique cryptographic algorithms. The solutions undergo comprehensive testing and meet NIST, Common Criteria, SESIP, and PSA certifications to meet Cloud, Edge, and Government-grade application requirements.
PQShield offers a modular product bundle with three technology pillars to address government department IT directors' optimisation needs. These pillars correspond to their key goals: ultra-small, ultra-secure, and ultra-fast.
PQPerform (Ultra fast): This pillar provides high-performance PQC at the network centre. The goal is to expedite new and existing applications. This performance is crucial for firewalls, routers, and HSMs. PQPlatform (Ultra secure): These implementations target critical infrastructure components. They must be of the greatest integrity since they are employed in long-lasting goods that are targeted by competent attackers.
PQMicroLib (Ultra small): For low-memory devices. Microcontrollers, embedded systems, and field-deployed industrial controls and energy smart meters are included. This technology helps OEMs and device manufacturers defend end-to-end encrypted (E2EE) communications channels and data security and integrity with successful PQC implementations.
Carahsoft in Government Procurement
Carahsoft, PQShield's Master Government Aggregato, simplifies procurement and makes quantum-safe solutions accessible to the public sector through its wide reseller network. Carahsoft will leverage its broad network to meet the procurement needs of public sector organisations seeking compliant, quantum-resistant solutions.
Cybersecurity Solutions Vice President Carahsoft's Brian O'Donnell said adding PQShield's products to their portfolio is in line with their goal of offering government clients with cutting-edge and relevant technologies.
Security and compliance in post-quantum cryptography are in high demand due to the 2035 NIST deadline, O'Donnell said. He concluded that Carahsoft and its reseller partners can meet public sector procurement needs for quantum-resistant cryptographic algorithms.
One government contract vehicle that offers the PQC product package is NASA SEWP. Quilt Master Service provides access to PQShield hardware, software, and services.
About Companies
PQShield, a post-quantum cryptography startup, updates important security systems and elements of the global technology supply chain with quantum-safe encryption. The company offers secure, high-quality, real-world quantum-safe cloud, software, and hardware cryptography solutions. UK-based PQShield employs 90 specialists across ten locations. Additionally, Oxford Science Enterprises, Chevron Technology Ventures, and Legal & General support the business.
Carahsoft Technology Corp., The Trusted Government IT Solutions Provider, services education, healthcare, and federal, state, and local government institutions. Carahsoft is the Master Government Aggregator for its vendor partners, providing AI, cybersecurity, multicloud, quantum computing, and dev-ops solutions. Carahsoft provides industry-leading IT services, products, and training through hundreds of contract vehicles with consultants, systems integrators, and resellers.