Palo Alto Networks Prepares Organizations for Quantum Security with QRNG Open API

Rhea-AI Summary

Palo Alto Networks (NASDAQ: PANW) has announced the release of a Quantum Random Number Generator (QRNG) Open API framework to help organizations prepare for future quantum security threats. The framework, developed in collaboration with six QRNG industry innovators, aims to ensure multi-vendor interoperability and enable quantum-resilient systems.

The QRNG Open API framework will be available through Palo Alto Networks' GitHub portal and will be supported by their Next Generation Firewalls (NGFWs) later this year. The initiative's key objectives include simplifying QRNG integration, maximizing interoperability in multi-vendor networks, accelerating QRNG adoption, and providing a common mechanism for obtaining high-quality entropy from external QRNG platforms.

The framework was developed in partnership with Anametric, ID Quantique, Qrypt, Quantinuum, Quantropi, and Quside, addressing the growing need for quantum-safe security measures as AI, ML, and quantum computing converge.

Positive

• Launch of innovative QRNG Open API framework strengthens PANW's position in quantum security
• Strategic partnerships with six leading QRNG technology companies
• Integration with Next Generation Firewalls planned for later this year
• Framework available through GitHub portal enabling wide accessibility

Negative

• None.

Insights

Cybersecurity Technology Analyst

Palo Alto Networks' launch of the Quantum Random Number Generator (QRNG) Open API framework marks a strategic positioning in the emerging quantum security market. This initiative demonstrates remarkable foresight as organizations globally prepare for the quantum computing era, which poses unprecedented threats to current encryption methods.

The business implications are substantial. By establishing an open framework with support from six leading quantum technology companies, PANW is effectively positioning itself as an industry standard-setter. This move could create significant competitive advantages in several ways:

• Potential licensing opportunities from widespread adoption of their framework
• Enhanced integration capabilities with their Next Generation Firewalls
• First-mover advantage in quantum-ready cybersecurity solutions

Think of QRNG as a super-powered random number generator that uses quantum mechanics principles to create truly unpredictable numbers - essential for creating unbreakable encryption keys. It's like having an infinitely complex combination lock that even quantum computers can't crack.

The timing is particularly strategic. As quantum computing advances, organizations are increasingly concerned about "harvest now, decrypt later" attacks, where adversaries store encrypted data today to decrypt it once quantum computers become powerful enough. By addressing this threat now, PANW is helping organizations protect their long-term data security while potentially capturing a significant share of the quantum cybersecurity market.

The partnership approach, involving companies like ID Quantique and Quantinuum, suggests this isn't just a theoretical framework - it's a practical solution ready for real-world implementation. This collaborative strategy could accelerate adoption and establish PANW's framework as the de facto industry standard, potentially leading to increased market share and revenue opportunities in the quantum security space.

Consortium of innovators paves the way to make a quantum secure future accessible to all

SANTA CLARA, Calif., Jan. 22, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Palo Alto Networks (NASDAQ: PANW), the global cybersecurity leader, today announced the release of a Quantum Random Number Generator (QRNG) Open API framework, empowering organizations to prepare for future quantum security threats. The framework, developed in partnership with six innovators across the QRNG field, addresses the need for multi-vendor interoperability across the industry and enables organizations to invest in and build QRNG-based systems that are resilient regardless of the underlying technology or company.

Rich Campagna, SVP Product Management, Palo Alto Networks:
"Helping the world become quantum safe is much more than any one cybersecurity company, government agency or critical infrastructure organization can tackle alone. Collaboration in the QRNG field is vital to future-proofing against quantum computing threats and we are committed to our work with standards bodies, global governments and our partners to help steer the industry toward standardization. We are thrilled to launch the QRNG Open API to benefit as many organizations as possible."

The future convergence of AI, ML, deep learning and classical supercomputing with quantum computing necessitates securing today's systems against quantum-enabled attacks. QRNG is a technology that uses the principles of quantum mechanics to generate truly random numbers, which are essential for creating secure cryptographic keys. Experts recommend the use of recently released NIST post-quantum cryptography (PQC) standards in combination with QRNG to give organizations the best chance to protect against future threats. The QRNG Open API framework eliminates barriers to QRNG adoption, helping global organizations access the highest quality cryptographic operations possible as they prepare for quantum computing technology.

Available through the Palo Alto Networks GitHub portal, the QRNG Open API can be embedded into any application. Later this year, Palo Alto Networks Next Generation Firewalls (NGFWs) will support the QRNG Open API, enabling the network security platform to bring in entropy for cryptographic functions.

Developed by Palo Alto Networks and leading QRNG technology partners, Anametric, ID Quantique, Qrypt, Quantinuum, Quantropi and Quside, the QRNG Open API will:

• Simplify QRNG integration by removing proprietary silos.
• Maximize interoperability in multi-vendor networks and promote freedom of choice, allowing customers to select the best technologies and systems for their needs, including both cloud-based and on-prem solutions.
• Accelerate QRNG adoption by removing barriers with a collaborative, open approach.
• Provide a common mechanism for obtaining high-quality entropy from an external QRNG platform.

QRNG Open API initiative partners commented:

Fernando de la Iglesia, VP of Product, Quside:
"As a leader in quantum technology, Quside is committed to advancing the adoption of quantum randomness in cybersecurity and high-performance computing. Our key objective is to make quantum randomness more accessible by reducing adoption barriers. The QRNG Open API initiative is crucial for establishing clear and robust guidelines that meet precise user needs."

Kenny Huebsch, Director of Software Engineering, Qrypt:
"The biggest hurdle in helping organizations adopt quantum entropy isn't convincing them of its value - it's how complex it is to integrate into their systems..Driving toward a standard is an essential first step on a path to broader first-class support of quantum entropy sources." 

Wil Oxford, CEO, Anametric:
"Anametric is pleased to join the efforts of the QRNG Open API initiative. Establishing a standardized QRNG Open API is crucial for the cybersecurity landscape, facilitating the seamless transition to post-quantum cryptography (PQC). Our collective expertise and collaboration will ensure that our digital infrastructure remains resilient, secure, and future-ready, safeguarding data in an increasingly quantum-enabled world."

Duncan Jones, Head of Cybersecurity, Quantinuum:
"Participating in the QRNG Open API initiative enables us to work alongside other industry leaders to address a critical aspect of quantum safety that's often overlooked - the quality of randomness used in cryptographic operations. By developing a common standard for access, we're helping organizations strengthen their cybersecurity today while ensuring they maintain flexibility for the future."

Mike Redding, CTO, Quantropi:
"We believe that open standards are essential to give clients the confidence to adopt new technologies. Quantropi was honored to contribute our expertise to the QRNG Open API initiative to help make the Open API a reality. The Open API will allow clients to focus on the quality, reliability, security, and value of QRNG service offerings without the complication of evaluating implementation differences."

Grégoire Ribordy, CEO, IDQuantique:
"ID Quantique (IDQ) commercializes quantum hardware and software systems compliant with the relevant applicable standards, ensuring smooth integration with existing security framework, infrastructures, and applications. Ultimately Quantum Entropy combined with existing security solutions improves the security of end-user data and organization infrastructure today and in the future. We were delighted to support Palo Alto Networks initiative to provide a QRNG Open API to customers."

About Palo Alto Networks
Palo Alto Networks is the global cybersecurity leader, committed to making each day safer than the one before with industry-leading, AI-powered solutions in network security, cloud security and security operations. Powered by Precision AI, our technologies deliver precise threat detection and swift response, minimizing false positives and enhancing security effectiveness. Our platformization approach integrates diverse security solutions into a unified, scalable platform, streamlining management and providing operational efficiencies with comprehensive protection. From defending network perimeters to safeguarding cloud environments and ensuring rapid incident response, Palo Alto Networks empowers businesses to achieve Zero Trust security and confidently embrace digital transformation in an ever-evolving threat landscape. This unwavering commitment to security and innovation makes us the cybersecurity partner of choice.

At Palo Alto Networks, we're committed to bringing together the very best people in service of our mission, so we're also proud to be the cybersecurity workplace of choice, recognized among Newsweek's Most Loved Workplaces (2021-2024), with a score of 100 on the Disability Equality Index (2024, 2023, 2022), and HRC Best Places for LGBTQ+ Equality (2022). For more information, visit www.paloaltonetworks.com.

 

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SOURCE Palo Alto Networks, Inc.

FAQ

What is the QRNG Open API framework announced by Palo Alto Networks (PANW)?

The QRNG Open API framework is a new initiative by Palo Alto Networks that enables organizations to integrate quantum random number generation capabilities across multiple vendors, helping prepare for future quantum security threats.

When will PANW's Next Generation Firewalls support the QRNG Open API?

Palo Alto Networks' Next Generation Firewalls (NGFWs) will support the QRNG Open API later in 2025.

Which companies are partnering with PANW on the QRNG Open API initiative?

Palo Alto Networks is partnering with six QRNG technology companies: Anametric, ID Quantique, Qrypt, Quantinuum, Quantropi, and Quside.

How does the PANW QRNG Open API framework benefit organizations?

The framework simplifies QRNG integration, ensures multi-vendor interoperability, accelerates QRNG adoption, and provides a common mechanism for obtaining high-quality entropy from external QRNG platforms.

Where can organizations access PANW's QRNG Open API framework?

The QRNG Open API framework is available through the Palo Alto Networks GitHub portal and can be embedded into any application.