Key Takeaways
- The EU-funded FORTRESS project is advancing a post quantum secure boot solution to help protect devices in the quantum era.
- PQShield is contributing PQ/T hybrid cryptographic cores and benchmarking tools to support secure integration across embedded systems, edge devices, and Critical National Infrastructure.
- The project aligns with leading global initiatives and supports Europe’s leadership in digital trust and cyber resilience.
PQShield joins EU-funded FORTRESS Project: Pioneering Quantum-Safe Secure Boot for Europe’s Digital Future
As the era of quantum computing approaches, traditional cryptographic algorithms such as RSA will no longer provide adequate protection and need to be replaced by Post-Quantum Cryptography or PQ/T Hybrid schemes.
As a consequence, the secure boot process, the cornerstone of modern cybersecurity, ensuring that only trusted software runs on a device, becomes vulnerable as well.
Developing a Quantum-Safe Secure Boot Framework
The EU-funded FORTRESS project is set to develop a robust, scalable post quantum secure boot solution that guarantees the same high level of trust in the post-quantum era.
The consortium includes Eurescom, PQShield, CyberHive, Codasip, eShard and Universität der Bundeswehr München. The project recently kicked-off with its first plenary in Heidelberg.
Securing the Full Chain from Hardware to Cloud
With digital systems increasingly connected to cloud environments, securing the entire chain, from hardware endpoints to cloud services, has become essential.
However, the advent of quantum computing and Shor’s algorithm threatens to render many existing cryptographic schemes obsolete.
Secure boot protects devices by validating code integrity through cryptographic signatures – upholding the Confidentiality, Integrity, and Availability (CIA) triad.
Responding with PQ/T Hybrid Cryptography
FORTRESS responds by advancing Post-Quantum/Traditional (PQ/T) hybrid cryptographic models that combine quantum-resistant and conventional algorithms. This hybrid approach ensures continuity during the transition while strengthening resilience.
The project will deliver a comprehensive suite of tools, technologies, and methodologies to support the secure integration of post-quantum mechanisms across embedded systems, edge devices, and Critical National Infrastructure (CNI).
Delivering Core Outcomes for Quantum-Safe Secure Boot
Key outcomes will include a framework for evaluating quantum-safe secure boot mechanisms., PQ/T hybrid cryptographic cores optimized for efficiency and side-channel resistance, and reference implementations with performance baselines and compliance checklists.
These outcomes support the development of a scalable post quantum secure boot solution designed for real-world deployment.
Supporting Policy Alignment and Digital Resilience
By aligning with leading global initiatives from ETSI, CISA, and NCSC, FORTRESS ensures technical excellence and policy coherence.
The project’s open, collaborative approach will empower industry, academia, and public-sector stakeholders to enhance their security infrastructure, mitigate emerging risks, and maintain Europe’s leadership in digital trust and cyber resilience in the quantum age.
PQShield’s Role in the FORTRESS Project
VP of Product, Dr Axel Poschmann says:
“The goal of FORTRESS is simple: to secure the entire quantum-safe secure boot chain. At PQShield, we are actively developing open-source benchmarking tools and delivering PQ/T hybrid cryptographic cores, integrating current and post-quantum algorithms, all built for efficiency and side-channel resistance. We are delighted to be a part of this important FORTRESS EU project”.
Learn More About the FORTRESS Project
For more information on the FORTRESS project and PQShield’s post quantum secure boot solution work, visit the website. If you would like to discuss your requirements or learn how PQShield can support your quantum-safe secure boot strategy, contact PQShield to speak with our team.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a post quantum secure boot solution?
A post quantum secure boot solution helps ensure that only trusted software runs on a device using cryptographic protections designed to resist quantum attacks.
What is the FORTRESS project?
FORTRESS is an EU-funded project developing quantum-safe secure boot technologies, PQ/T hybrid cryptographic models, and tools to support secure deployment across critical systems.
What is PQShield contributing to FORTRESS?
PQShield is contributing open-source benchmarking tools and PQ/T hybrid cryptographic cores designed for efficiency and side-channel resistance.
Why are PQ/T hybrid approaches important for secure boot?
PQ/T hybrid approaches combine conventional and quantum-resistant algorithms, helping support continuity and resilience during the migration to post-quantum security.