NIST FIPS 203 Standardized Post-Quantum Cryptography

Post-Quantum File Encryption Platform
for Long-Term Data Security and Regulatory Compliance

QuantumGuard implements NIST-standardized post-quantum cryptographic algorithms (ML-KEM-1024) alongside client-side encryption to protect sensitive documents against present-day hackers and future quantum computer threats. Designed for organizations with long-term data retention requirements and zero-trust security mandates.

NIST FIPS 203 Compliant
Zero-Knowledge Architecture
Client-Side Encryption Only
Open Security Model

Security Considerations for Long-Term Data Protection

Organizations storing sensitive information face three primary challenges when planning for long-term data security and regulatory compliance.

Traditional Encryption Vulnerability

RSA and elliptic curve cryptography (ECC) are vulnerable to quantum algorithms such as Shor's algorithm. NIST estimates that cryptographically-relevant quantum computers may emerge within 10-15 years, creating long-term risks for data encrypted with current standards.

Retroactive Decryption Risk

Adversaries can store encrypted data today with the intent to decrypt it once quantum computing becomes viable. This "harvest now, decrypt later" threat model affects any data with long-term confidentiality requirements, including medical records, legal documents, and classified information.

Server-Side Encryption Limitations

Traditional cloud storage providers perform encryption server-side, meaning the provider holds the decryption keys and can access plaintext data. This model is incompatible with zero-trust security principles and limits data sovereignty for regulated industries.

Technical Capabilities

QuantumGuard implements a layered security architecture combining post-quantum cryptography with zero-knowledge principles and comprehensive audit capabilities.

Post-Quantum Cryptography

NIST-standardized algorithms designed to resist quantum attacks

  • ML-KEM-1024 (FIPS 203) key encapsulation mechanism
  • Security Level 5 (256-bit quantum resistance)
  • Immune to Shor's and Grover's algorithms
  • NIST post-quantum standardization finalist
Zero-Knowledge Architecture

Client-side encryption ensures server never accesses plaintext

  • Encryption performed exclusively on client device
  • Private keys never transmitted or stored server-side
  • Server stores only encrypted ciphertext
  • End-to-end encrypted document sharing
Hybrid Encryption Model

Defense-in-depth combining post-quantum and classical cryptography

  • ML-KEM-1024 for key encapsulation
  • AES-256-GCM for data encryption (FIPS 197)
  • HKDF-SHA256 for key derivation (RFC 5869)
  • Backward compatibility with existing systems
Audit and Compliance

Comprehensive logging for regulatory and security requirements

  • Cryptographically-signed access logs
  • Immutable audit trail with timestamp verification
  • Document lifecycle and access pattern tracking
  • Export compliance reports (SOC 2, ISO 27001)

Encryption Architecture

All encryption and decryption operations occur client-side. The server stores only encrypted ciphertext and has no access to decryption keys.

Client Device

1. Generate ML-KEM keypair
2. Encrypt file (AES-256-GCM)
3. Encapsulate DEK (ML-KEM)

QuantumGuard Server

Stores encrypted bytes
No decryption capability
No key access

Recipient Device

Download ciphertext
Decapsulate DEK (ML-KEM)
Decrypt file (AES-256-GCM)
→ Encrypted upload
← Encrypted download

All cryptographic operations are performed client-side using WebCrypto API and WebAssembly implementations of ML-KEM-1024. The server maintains no decryption capability and stores only encrypted ciphertext.

Operational Workflow

QuantumGuard follows a three-step process for quantum-resistant file protection.

1

Key Generation

Client generates ML-KEM-1024 keypair locally. Private key is encrypted using scrypt key derivation with user password. Public key is transmitted to server for document sharing capability.

2

File Encryption

Each file is encrypted using AES-256-GCM with a randomly generated data encryption key (DEK). The DEK is then encapsulated using the user's ML-KEM public key. Encrypted file and encapsulated DEK are uploaded.

3

Secure Sharing

To share a document, the DEK is re-encapsulated using the recipient's ML-KEM public key. Recipients use their private key to decapsulate the DEK and decrypt the file. Server never accesses plaintext.

Standards and Compliance Status

Current certification status and regulatory compliance framework.

Standard/CertificationStatusNotes
NIST FIPS 203
Compliant
ML-KEM-1024 implementation validated
Zero-Knowledge Architecture
Compliant
Client-side encryption enforced
SOC 2 Type I
In Progress
Audit scheduled for Q2 2026
ISO 27001
In Progress
Certification process underway
FedRAMP
Not Certified
Not authorized for federal use
ITAR/EAR
Not Certified
Not approved for export-controlled data

Scope of Use: QuantumGuard is designed for commercial, academic, and healthcare applications involving sensitive but unclassified information. This platform is not authorized for classified government data, ITAR/EAR-controlled technical information, or materials subject to export control regulations. Organizations with specific regulatory requirements should contact support@qguard.net for detailed compliance documentation.

For compliance inquiries, please contact support@qguard.net.

Evaluation Pricing

Select a trial period to evaluate QuantumGuard's post-quantum encryption capabilities in your environment. No commitment required during evaluation.

EVALUATION PROGRAM

Trial Period Options

Select an evaluation period to test QuantumGuard in your environment. The one-week trial is free with no credit card required. Paid evaluations include unlimited users and full feature access with 50GB storage per user.

1 Week

Freeevaluation period

1 Month

$1,000evaluation period
RECOMMENDED

2 Months

$1,500evaluation period

3 Months

$2,500evaluation period

Trial Period Includes

Unlimited team members
50GB storage per user
Post-quantum encryption
Zero-knowledge architecture
Document sharing
Email support
Organization workspace
Role-based access control
Centralized billing
Priority support

Free 1-week trial requires no credit card. Paid evaluation periods are one-time charges. When the evaluation period ends, access to features will be suspended until subscription activation at $50/user/month. All encrypted data remains securely stored and will be accessible upon subscription.

Note: All evaluation periods include unlimited users and 50GB storage per user. Trial expiration suspends feature access but preserves all encrypted data. Subscription reactivates full platform access immediately.

• Credit card required for trial activation but no charges until trial period ends

• Cancel anytime during trial period with no charges

• Enterprise organizations requiring custom deployment, on-premise options, or volume licensing:support@qguard.net

Technical Information

Common questions about QuantumGuard's cryptographic implementation and security model.