Terra Quantum the Swiss based Quantum Technology company and owners of the TQ42 quantum-as-a-service ecosystem have launched TQ42 Cryptography, an open-source post-quantum cryptography library. 

A post-quantum cryptography library is essentially a collection of tools and methods designed to keep information secure even against potential future security and other forms of malicious attack. As quantum technology reaches its potential it has the likelihood of being able to crack the majority of existing security codes because of the way that such security systems are mathematically constructed.

These libraries provide ways to encrypt (or secure) and decrypt (or access) data that are believed to be safe from being broken by the advanced capabilities of quantum computing. This is important because quantum computers could potentially crack many of the encryption methods that currently protect our sensitive data, like online transactions and emails.

Unlike traditional asymmetric algorithms, which use pairs of keys (one public and one private) and are based on mathematical problems that regular computers find hard but quantum computers could solve easily, post-quantum algorithms rely on different kinds of complex math problems that are tough for even quantum computers to crack. This ensures that information remains safe and secure, even as computing technology advances.

This is effectively what Terra quantum have launched within their software library, they are designed to help businesses protect their data from current and future security threats, and complement TQ42's existing software offerings that provide easy access to quantum computing tools.

The library is available under both Free Use and Commercial licences –in the future, there will also be the option to contribute to the code base.

In 2023, Terra Quantum established a world record with its patented Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) protocols, enhancing the security of long-distance communications through quantum encryption. The company's offerings provide robust protection for data in transit.

The expansion of their library will soon include support for Python, iOS, and Android, alongside additional post-quantum algorithms and enhanced upgrade options. One notable upgrade is the option to acquire quantum keys generated by Terra Quantum’s proprietary Single Photon Quantum Random Number Generator (QRNG).

A Single Photon Quantum Random Number Generator (QRNG) is a device that uses the basic principles of quantum mechanics to create truly random numbers. It operates by observing the behaviour of individual photons—tiny particles of light—which act unpredictably due to quantum effects.

When a photon hits a beam splitter, it randomly chooses one of two paths, and this choice is recorded as a random number, either a 0 or a 1. These random numbers are crucial for tasks that require high levels of security, like encrypting data in communications to make it unreadable to unauthorized users. Thus, QRNGs provide a robust method for generating secure, unpredictable numbers used in cryptography and other security applications.

This generator is designed in compliance with the latest NIST standard (SP 800-90B) and has received certification from METAS. METAS is a certificate of precision which covers the main functional characteristics of time keeping devices including precision and resistance to magnetic fields.

Terra Quantum AG has received a huge amount of capital investment by Quantum Standards with Investcorp and Lakestar being the most recent investors.