ISARA is a cybersecurity company based in Waterloo, ON, with offices in California and the UK. Its goal is to create a world where the possibilities and benefits offered by quantum computing can be tapped into – without giving up digital trust and privacy. ISARA specializes in creating quantum-safe cryptography solutions that can be embedded into commercial products to secure and protect data.

To achieve this, ISARA uses algorithms that are resistant to hacker attacks using both traditional computers of today, as well as quantum computers. Currently, encrypted data stored for future use will be vulnerable to eventual decryption by a quantum computer. Without appropriate quantum-safe cryptographic schemes, it will be impossible to guarantee the integrity and authenticity of transmitted information, as data tampering will go undetected. In addition, the lack of secure data encryption could violate current regulatory requirements for data privacy and security.

SCC provided strategic advice to help ISARA develop new global standards for quantum-safe solutions that address current gaps. ISARA began leading the development of quantum-safe cryptography standards at the European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI), which is internationally recognized for developing standards for information and communications technologies. The company will also facilitate the adoption of quantum-safe standards developed at ETSI by other standards organizations, such as the United Nation’s International Telecommunication Union (ITU-T).

By helping ISARA participate in standards development at ETSI and ITU-T, SCC has enabled the company to expand its network and collaborate with international experts in the quantum field. It has also given ISARA global market exposure and positioned the company, and Canada, as a data protection leader on the world stage at a time when keeping our data safe is increasingly critical to governments, companies, and citizens around the world.