Altera Corporation has announced the addition of post-quantum cryptography (PQC) support to its Agilex 3 and Agilex 5 field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs). The update provides a quantum-resistant security foundation built directly into the hardware, primarily targeting long-lifecycle systems that require protection against emerging quantum computing threats.
Hardware-Level Security for Extended Lifecycles
The integration introduces PQC-enabled secure boot capabilities to the Agilex 3 and Agilex 5 devices, allowing systems to authenticate trusted configurations and defend against future cryptographic vulnerabilities.
Beyond secure boot, the FPGAs utilize Altera’s Secure Device Manager (SDM) to deliver a broader suite of hardware-based security features. These include:
- Bitstream encryption for intellectual property (IP) protection
- Physical anti-tamper support
- Key management
- Physically unclonable function (PUF) keys
- Embedded cryptographic cores
- Platform attestation
According to Altera, the PQC-enabled FPGAs are designed to support subsequent software and firmware security enhancements as post-quantum cryptographic standards continue to evolve. Because the FPGA architecture is reprogrammable, developers can adapt their hardware deployments over time, addressing changing compliance requirements without necessitating complete hardware replacements.
“Customers building long-life systems need confidence that the hardware they choose today can adapt to tomorrow’s security requirements,” said Mike Fitton, vice president of product and corporate marketing at Altera. He noted that the Agilex devices provide a foundation that can evolve as post-quantum standards mature and new threats emerge.
Availability and Software Support
The PQC-enabled Agilex 3 and Agilex 5 devices are currently shipping. The security features are supported by a PQC software flow available in the Quartus Prime Pro Edition 26.1.1 release, enabling developers to begin implementing post-quantum protections in their current designs.
TechInsyte's Take
As the timeline for cryptographically relevant quantum computers (CRQCs) narrows, securing long-lifecycle infrastructure—such as industrial control systems, aerospace networks, and telecommunications equipment—has become an urgent industry priority. Because these embedded systems are often deployed for decades in the field, the hardware selected today must be able to withstand the threat landscape of tomorrow.
By integrating PQC into its Agilex 3 and 5 FPGAs, Altera is addressing the "harvest now, decrypt later" threat model, where adversaries exfiltrate encrypted data today with the intent to break it once quantum computing matures. Embedding these capabilities at the hardware root of trust level provides enterprise and infrastructure developers a practical bridge between current security standards and the looming post-quantum era, leveraging the inherent reprogrammability of FPGAs to push future cryptographic updates.
Q&A
What is the primary benefit of adding PQC to Agilex FPGAs?
Post-quantum cryptography (PQC) helps protect long-life embedded and edge systems against the future threat of quantum computers, which are expected to eventually break current encryption standards.
What specific security features do the Agilex 3 and 5 devices include?
The devices feature PQC-enabled secure boot and utilize Altera's Secure Device Manager (SDM) to provide bitstream encryption, physical anti-tamper support, key management, physically unclonable function (PUF) keys, embedded cryptographic cores, and platform attestation.
Are the PQC-enabled devices available now?
Yes, the PQC-enabled Agilex 3 and Agilex 5 FPGAs are shipping today, with immediate software support provided through Altera's Quartus Prime Pro Edition 26.1.1.
Can the security features be updated in the future?
Yes. Altera states that the reprogrammable architecture of the FPGAs allows for additional software and firmware security enhancements to be applied as post-quantum requirements and threat models evolve, extending the hardware's usable lifecycle.
Source: Businesswire
