FORTRESS develops quantum-resistant secure boot mechanisms for critical national infrastructure, combining novel hardware architectures with post-quantum cryptography in operational demonstrators.
It aims to address challenges of modern cybersecurity by developing a scalable and efficient hybrid secure boot architecture. It will design a flexible Root of Trust that integrates both traditional and post-quantum algorithms, while exploring trade-offs between security, performance, and cost. The project will focus on hardware-software co-design principles, enabling diverse platforms – embedded systems, edge devices, and Critical National Infrastructure – to transition to quantum-resistant architectures seamlessly. Additionally, the project will engage industry stakeholders to align with regulatory and standardisation efforts, ensuring practical deployment and maximum impact. By developing a critical building block for a wide range of applications, FORTRESS will safeguard Europe’s digital infrastructure, fostering resilience and leadership in the post-quantum era.
The FORTRESS (Post-Quantum/Traditional Hybrid Cryptographic Secure Boot) project brings together six European partners; Eurescom (coordinator), PQShield, CyberHive, Codasip, eShard, and Universität der Bundeswehr München, to address the imminent threat quantum computers pose to RSA/ECC-based secure boot processes that underpin modern cybersecurity.