ID Quantique (IDQ) has announced that its Clavis XG series has achieved national security approval from South Korea's National Intelligence Service (NIS), marking it as the first quantum key distribution (QKD) product globally to receive such certification.

The evaluation process involved a comprehensive assessment of Clavis XG's QKD system and its embedded Quantum Key Management platform, Clarion KX. This initiative was developed alongside South Korea's Ministry of Science and ICT and the validation was executed in collaboration with several prominent institutions, including the National Security Research Institute and the Korea Information and Communication Technology Association.

The certification establishes Clavis XG as a pioneering quantum-safe cryptographic system that satisfies extreme national security criteria, which represents a significant advancement in the quantum cryptography market internationally. IDQ emphasizes the importance of the NSR's rigorous evaluation, suggesting it will bolster confidence in the adoption of quantum-safe solutions in enterprise and governmental sectors.

Grégoire Ribordy, CEO of ID Quantique, remarked, “This is a massive leap forward for QKD, a physics-based quantum cryptography technology. The adoption of Clavis XG will expand rapidly in areas demanding high-security levels, such as government, financial services, and healthcare.”

The approval mechanism's stringent requirements also included the detailed review of the optical and digital subsystems of Clavis XG, as well as its software and protocols. IDQ’s Clavis XG series has already been successfully deployed in telecommunications networks and data centers, reaffirming its operational efficacy and adaptability in various high-demand environments.

This recognition not only positions IDQ at the forefront of quantum technology but also underscores the growing emphasis on quantum-safe cybersecurity measures necessary to combat emerging threats.