NIST FIPS 203 • Post-Quantum Cryptography

Post-Quantum File Encryption
for Long-Term Data Security

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)

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.

Pricing

One plan. Every feature included.

QuantumGuard

$50/ user / month

or $500/user/year — 2 months free

  • Unlimited users, unlimited storage
  • Post-quantum encryption (ML-KEM-1024 / FIPS 203)
  • Zero-knowledge architecture
  • Cryptographically-signed audit logs
  • Compliance reports (SOC 2, ISO 27001)
  • Priority support — 24h response

14-day free trial. No credit card required.

Technical Information

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