BlackBerry and NXP Join Forces to Help Companies Prepare For and Prevent Y2Q Post-Quantum Cyber Attacks

Rhea-AI Summary

BlackBerry collaborates with NXP Semiconductors to enhance security against quantum computing threats by supporting quantum-resistant secure boot signatures for NXP's S32G vehicle networking processors. This initiative aims to protect critical infrastructure from potential quantum attacks. The integration will utilize the CRYSTALS Dilithium digital signature scheme, ensuring robust protection for long-term assets in industries such as aerospace and telecommunications. BlackBerry’s Certicom technology strengthens the code signing process, addressing significant security concerns and preparing systems for future cryptographic vulnerabilities.

Positive

• Collaboration with NXP to strengthen quantum-safe security measures.
• Integration of CRYSTALS Dilithium digital signature scheme ensures quantum-resistant security.
• Enhancement of cybersecurity for critical infrastructure and long-lived assets.

Negative

• Potential risks associated with delaying quantum-resistant solutions in a rapidly evolving threat landscape.

Collaboration aims to drive adoption for Quantum-Safe Cryptography before it's too late

WATERLOO, Canada, May 25, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- BlackBerry Limited (NYSE: BB; TSX: BB) today announced it will provide support for quantum-resistant secure boot signatures for NXP® Semiconductors' (NASDAQ: NXPI) crypto-agile S32G vehicle networking processors in a demonstration to illustrate how to mitigate the risk of potential quantum computing attacks on in-vehicle software.

The new integration will allow software to be digitally signed using the National Institute of Standards and Technology's (NIST) recently endorsed CRYSTALS Dilithium digital signature scheme that will be quantum resistant, providing peace of mind to those relying on – and delivering – long lifecycle assets such as systems in critical infrastructure, industrial controls, aerospace and military electronics, telecommunications, transportation infrastructure, and connected cars. The collaboration is set to guard against an increasingly risky future when quantum computers will be able to easily break traditional code signing schemes.

For more information, register to attend the one hour "Post-Quantum Cyber Attacks, how to Prepare and Prevent" webinar on June 9, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. ET.

While quantum computing promises to deliver huge leaps forward in processing power, it also has the potential to render today's public key cryptography useless. In recent months, NATO, the White House and NIST have all taken steps to prepare for a 'Y2Q' scenario in which quantum computers become weaponized by threat actors and many widely used security methods become useless against next-generation attacks.

The BlackBerry® Certicom® Code Signing and Key Management Server leverages the NXP S32G chip's secure boot flow to achieve fast and agile quantum protection. Using quantum-resistant signature schemes such as Dilithium for low-level device firmware, over-the-air software updates and software bills of material (SBOMs) mitigates the risk of potential quantum computing attacks on critical software updates, addressing a major security concern for a number of industries.

"As quantum computers continue to advance in development, it's increasingly important to work to secure today's systems against these future threats," said Joppe Bos, Senior Principal Cryptographer at NXP Semiconductors. "Collaborating with BlackBerry strengthens our solution to address the critical need to harden code signing and software update infrastructure against future cryptosystem vulnerabilities."

"In the lead up to Y2K, US business spent upwards of $100 billion to avoid calamity and the issue was simply a matter of adding two digits to the date field. Y2Q, when quantum attacks become possible, is on another level, posing a significant threat to industries selling or operating long-lived assets with updatable software," said Jim Alfred, VP, BlackBerry Technology Solutions. "NXP shares our vision of mitigating the risk of quantum computing concerns and, thanks to their support for hash-based signatures, together we can provide cybersecurity teams with the tools they need now to prevent their existing security measures from becoming obsolete."

To learn more about the Code Signing and Key Management Server and why BlackBerry Certicom technology is widely deployed in smartphone chips, smart meters, car telematics, and IoT devices, please visit www.certicom.com.

About BlackBerry
BlackBerry (NYSE: BB; TSX: BB) provides intelligent security software and services to enterprises and governments around the world. The company secures more than 500M endpoints including over 195M vehicles. Based in Waterloo, Ontario, the company leverages AI and machine learning to deliver innovative solutions in the areas of cybersecurity, safety and data privacy solutions, and is a leader in the areas of endpoint security, endpoint management, encryption, and embedded systems. BlackBerry's vision is clear - to secure a connected future you can trust.

BlackBerry. Intelligent Security. Everywhere.

For more information, visit BlackBerry.com and follow @BlackBerry.

NXP and the NXP logo are trademarks of NXP B.V. All other product or service names are the property of their respective owners. All rights reserved. ^© 2022 NXP B.V.

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SOURCE BlackBerry Limited

FAQ

What is the significance of BlackBerry's collaboration with NXP regarding quantum-safe cryptography?

The collaboration aims to enhance cybersecurity for critical systems by implementing quantum-resistant secure boot signatures, mitigating potential quantum computing threats.

How does BlackBerry's integration of CRYSTALS Dilithium benefit industries affected by quantum attacks?

The integration provides robust digital signatures to protect long-life assets in critical sectors like aerospace, telecommunications, and connected vehicles from emerging quantum threats.

What are the main features of the NXP S32G processors supported by BlackBerry?

The NXP S32G processors feature crypto-agile capabilities, enabling secure software updates and digital signing to protect against potential quantum computing vulnerabilities.

When is the webinar about post-quantum cyber attacks hosted by BlackBerry?

The webinar titled 'Post-Quantum Cyber Attacks, how to Prepare and Prevent' is scheduled for June 9, 2022, at 11:00 a.m. ET.

What potential threats does quantum computing pose according to BlackBerry's press release?

Quantum computing can potentially break traditional cryptography, rendering existing security measures ineffective, which is why proactive steps are essential.