Thales, Samsung Chip Collaboration Wins CES Award, Advances Post-Quantum Security
Event summary
- Thales and Samsung Electronics jointly developed a post-quantum security chip, the S3SSE2A, recognized at CES 2026.
- The chip integrates Thales’ secure operating system and quantum-resistant cryptographic libraries.
- The collaboration addresses the growing threat of quantum computing to current encryption standards and the 'harvest now, decrypt later' risk.
- Thales invests over €4 billion annually in R&D, including cybersecurity and quantum technologies.
- Thales reported €20.6 billion in sales in 2024.
The big picture
The joint effort between Thales and Samsung highlights the escalating urgency surrounding post-quantum cryptography. The 'harvest now, decrypt later' threat, where encrypted data is intercepted and stored for future decryption with quantum computers, necessitates proactive security measures. This collaboration signals a shift towards embedding quantum-resistant security at the hardware level, moving beyond software-based solutions and impacting a vast ecosystem of connected devices, from consumer electronics to critical infrastructure.
What we're watching
- Adoption Rate
- The pace at which the S3SSE2A chip and similar post-quantum solutions are integrated into connected devices will determine the speed of industry-wide transition and the mitigation of 'harvest now, decrypt later' risks.
- Competitive Landscape
- Other semiconductor manufacturers and cybersecurity firms will likely accelerate their own post-quantum development efforts, potentially leading to a period of intense competition and innovation in the embedded security space.
- Regulatory Impact
- Government mandates and industry standards regarding post-quantum cryptography will significantly influence the adoption timeline and the overall market size for solutions like the Thales-Samsung collaboration.
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