Commvault Expands Its Cryptographic Platform with Support for the Hamming Quasi-Cyclic Algorithm
The addition of the Hamming Quasi-Cyclic (HQC) algorithm to the Commvault platform helps organizations better protect long-term data against future quantum attacks.
Expansion of Post-Quantum Protection
Commvault, a provider of data protection solutions for hybrid cloud environments, integrates the HQC algorithm into its existing framework for cryptographic flexibility. HQC is designed to protect organizations against threats such as “harvest now, decrypt later”, where cybercriminals intercept data now to decrypt it later using quantum computers.
Since August 2024, the framework has already supported encryption standards recommended by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), including CRYSTALS-Kyber, Dilithium, SPHINCS+, and FALCON. The expansion with HQC strengthens existing support and allows for quick adaptation to new threats without major changes to existing IT systems.
Preparation for the Quantum Era
Quantum computing offers new possibilities but also presents fundamental security challenges. Traditional encryption methods are vulnerable to the computing power of quantum computers. According to an ISACA poll, 63 percent of IT and security professionals expect quantum computing to bring new risks. Half also anticipate compliance issues.
Commvault offers organizations in sectors such as healthcare and finance various mechanisms for securing data traffic with post-quantum cryptography. The Risk Analysis functionality helps identify and classify sensitive data. In many cases, applying the new encryption options requires only limited actions, such as activating an option in the management tool.
Quantum technology is developing rapidly. According to research firm IDC, proactive data protection is therefore essential. The additional support for HQC is part of Commvault’s strategy to prepare its customers for a future where quantum computers pose a real risk to the security of sensitive information.