STMicroelectronics Introduces Advanced Post-Quantum Cryptography Solutions for Embedded Systems
STMicroelectronics has unveiled a comprehensive suite of hardware cryptographic accelerators and accompanying software libraries, designed to enhance security in embedded systems and fortify them against emerging quantum threats. These solutions are integrated into general-purpose and secure microcontrollers, ensuring that next-generation embedded devices can withstand the computational power of quantum attacks.
The Growing Need for Quantum-Resistant Security
With quantum computing making significant strides in research and development, industries worldwide are preparing for its mainstream adoption. Quantum computers possess the potential to vastly outperform classical computing systems in specific tasks, which poses a significant challenge to current cryptographic standards. Many encryption schemes widely used today rely on mathematical problems that classical computers find difficult to solve. However, quantum computers, leveraging principles like superposition and entanglement, could break these encryption methods exponentially faster, making sensitive data vulnerable.
To address this looming security risk, governments and standardization bodies are developing Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC) algorithms. These new cryptographic standards are designed to counteract the computational capabilities of quantum machines, ensuring robust security for future digital infrastructure. Among these evolving standards, PQC schemes built on the Keccak algorithm, a highly resilient hash function co-invented by STMicroelectronics experts, have been widely adopted.
STMicroelectronics’ Quantum-Resistant Security Solutions
Recognizing the need for immediate action, STMicroelectronics has proactively developed solutions that comply with emerging PQC standards. These cutting-edge security assets empower developers to integrate quantum-resistant features into their products from the outset, ensuring compliance with best practices while allowing adaptability as cryptographic standards evolve.
The newly introduced solutions are available for developers working with STM32 microcontrollers through the X-CUBE-PQC software library. Additionally, Stellar automotive microcontrollers now feature integrated SHA-3 hardware accelerators, further reinforcing security against potential quantum threats. ST has also introduced advanced software libraries and hardware intellectual properties (IPs) specifically designed for secure microcontrollers, meeting stringent industry standards such as Common Criteria and FIPS 140-3.
Among the PQC algorithms supported by these solutions are:
- ML-KEM (Kyber) – A key encapsulation mechanism widely recognized for its efficiency and security.
- ML-DSA (Dilithium) – A digital signature scheme providing strong authentication and integrity verification.
- XMSS/LMS – Hash-based signature schemes ensuring long-term resistance against quantum threats.
These implementations enable customers to enhance security across critical functionalities, including firmware updates, secure boot processes, and authentication mechanisms, ensuring continued protection against both classical and quantum computing threats.
Industry Leadership in Quantum-Resistant Security
STMicroelectronics has taken a pioneering role in embedding quantum-resistant features across its entire product portfolio. According to Jacques Fournier, Director of Security Platform at STMicroelectronics, the company is committed to providing robust security solutions that cater to all customer requirements across varying levels of security needs.
“Quantum computers are expected to bring significant advancements in areas such as finance, scientific research, and earth observation. However, they also pose a formidable challenge to existing cryptographic protocols that protect the digital systems we rely on daily,” said Fournier. “ST is the first to integrate quantum-resistant security features across all its product lines, ensuring our customers are equipped to meet the challenges of the post-quantum era.”
Showcasing Innovations at Embedded World 2025
STMicroelectronics is set to showcase its latest advancements in PQC at Embedded World 2025, one of the leading global events for embedded systems technology. Jacques Fournier will deliver a keynote presentation at the Exhibitor Forum in Nuremberg on March 12, 2025, where he will discuss the company’s approach to quantum-resistant security and the latest developments in cryptographic algorithms.
Visitors attending the event will have the opportunity to engage directly with ST’s security experts, explore real-world demonstrations of quantum-resistant technologies, and gain insights into integrating PQC solutions into their embedded system designs. Attendees can visit ST’s booth (4A-148) to learn more about the company’s pioneering work in securing embedded devices against quantum-era cyber threats.
A Future-Proof Approach to Embedded Security
As industries worldwide brace for the disruptive impact of quantum computing, STMicroelectronics’ proactive approach to quantum-resistant cryptography provides an essential safeguard for next-generation embedded systems. By introducing PQC-enabled hardware and software solutions today, ST empowers manufacturers, developers, and enterprises to build secure products that will remain resilient in the face of future quantum advancements.
For further details on ST’s post-quantum cryptographic initiatives and how they can enhance the security of your embedded systems, visit the company’s official website or reach out to their security specialists at upcoming industry events.
