Guarding against quantum computers: Arqit invests in network specialist Sirius

British encryption specialist Arqit Quantum has made a strategic investment in Sirius Computer, it emerged on Tuesday; the companies did not disclose the amount. Sirius provides secure computing and networking technology to defence, intelligence and critical infrastructure customers. Arqit offers methods marketed as quantum-safe – meaning they are designed to keep protecting data even once future quantum computers are able to attack the encryption commonly used today.

The money will fund Crux, a software-based connectivity platform that combines Sirius's networking technology with Arqit's Sovereign Key Platform for key management and its NetworkSecure adaptors. It will also pay for product integration and new joint offerings. According to the companies, both are part of a consortium that won a tender to provide secure networking services to NATO. They did not say what role Crux will play in it.

The partners now want to win business in NATO member states, with the UK Ministry of Defence and with the US Department of Defense. "Investing in Sirius will help us build on our existing partnership," said Paul Feenan, Arqit's general manager for defence and government. Sirius co-founder and CEO Jason Van der Schyff said: "This investment is a significant vote of confidence in our team and our technology." No independent information on the platform's performance or timeline is available so far.