SandboxAQ, Carahsoft Make Quantum Accessible to Public Sector

SandboxAQ is partnering with government IT solutions provider Carahsoft to make its quantum-resistant cryptography, AI and quantum technology available to public-sector customers via existing contracts.

AI and quantum software-as-a-service provider SandboxAQ has already won several government contracts. These include researching quantum navigation systems with the U.S. Air Force and providing its quantum-resistant cryptography solution SandboxAQ Security Suite to the U.S. Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA) and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

SandboxAQ said in a blog post that it was starting with cybersecurity due to the predicted ability of fault-tolerant quantum computers to break today’s public-key encryption protocols, which could put sensitive data, communications and financial transactions at risk.

Hackers are understood to have already begun stealing and storing encrypted data that cannot currently be decrypted for future decryption by quantum computers. These are known as harvest now, decrypt later attacks, and prompted President Biden to sign into law the Quantum Computing Cybersecurity Preparedness Act.

The partnership will provide access to SandboxAQ Security Suite for all federal, state and local agencies in a bid to protect sensitive data, critical infrastructure and national interests.

Related:SandboxAQ Delivers Quantum Training for US Government Agencies

Carahsoft will also provide SandboxAQ’s quantum simulation and optimization solutions, which can be used to discover and develop advanced new materials, such as more effective EV batteries or lighter, stronger metal alloys. It will also make its quantum sensing solutions available, which are designed for use in a wide range of biomagnetic, geophysical and materials sensing applications.

To support the implementation, SandboxAQ and Carahsoft will also provide training and upskilling courses on AI, quantum and all SandboxAQ solutions to government customers.

“Carahsoft is excited to deliver SandboxAQ’s portfolio of cybersecurity and AI-enabled quantum solutions through our reseller partners to government, intelligence and defense agency contracts throughout the Public Sector,” said Carahsoft president Craig P. Abod.

“Given the size and complexity of government IT infrastructure, Security Suite’s ability to identify and remediate cryptographic vulnerabilities will enable the Public Sector to protect its critical systems, data and infrastructure against ever-evolving cyber threats. At the same time, SandboxAQ’s quantum-based solutions have tremendous potential to positively impact a broad range of government, intelligence, law enforcement, defense and health-related agencies.”