This VPN Ditches Password-Based Security for Quantum Protection

Symmatrics has introduced a new quantum-secure virtual private network (VPN) designed to protect organizations against credential-based cyberattacks and future quantum computing threats. The cybersecurity company says its Quantum Protected Network (QPN) replaces traditional password-based access and public-key infrastructure with a device-authenticated, one-time symmetric key model intended to strengthen remote access security without requiring major infrastructure changes.

QPN replaces passwords with one-time encryption keys

According to Symmatrics’ June 23 press release, conventional VPNs have become frequent attack targets because they rely on long-lived credentials, public-key infrastructure (PKI), and session keys that can be stolen or reused by attackers.

Instead, the company’s QPN authenticates trusted devices and encrypts traffic using ephemeral one-time symmetric keys generated for a single session before discarding.

Symmatrics said this approach aims to eliminate several common attack vectors, including stolen credentials, reused session keys, predictable encryption handshakes, and exposed authentication artifacts.

Chief Executive Officer Walter Raquet said traditional VPNs build upon legacy PKI and credential-based authentication models that no longer provide sufficient protection against modern cyber threats or future quantum attacks.

“VPNs were built on legacy PKI and credential-based models that are no longer secure. (…) We’ve built the QPN to eliminate those risks entirely, while protecting organizations from both current attacks and future quantum threats.”

Designed for enterprise remote access

The company said the VPN is for organizations operating private cloud environments and distributed workforces that require secure access to internal systems.

The platform supports encrypted TCP and UDP tunnels, automatically routes traffic, enforces device-based access controls, and continuously rotates encryption keys throughout each session. Symmatrics said organizations can deploy the technology without modifying existing applications or redesigning their networks.

At the core of the platform is the company’s Symmatrics Encryption Protocol, which uses a symmetric key delivery architecture inspired by one-time pad encryption techniques historically used within intelligence and defense communities. The company argues this model reduces exposure during session establishment and limits opportunities for attackers to exploit stored or replicated encryption keys.

The QPN is available as part of Symmatrics’ wider security platform alongside its encryption software development kit (SDK) and Authentication & Access Management (AuthAM) solution. The company says the platform targets regulated industries, which includes government agencies and financial institutions, that require stronger protections against both current cyber threats and future quantum-enabled attacks.