IonQ partners with ARLIS on SEQCURE zero-trust security framework for mission-critical quantum architectures

IonQ announced a collaboration with the Applied Research Laboratory for Intelligence and Security on the SEQCURE program. The initiative seeks to create a zero trust security framework for quantum computing based on standards from the National Institute of Standards and Technology. The effort will examine existing commercial practices to identify what is needed to apply Zero Trust Architecture to quantum systems. This approach replaces static perimeter security with continuous verification of access to all resources, as outlined in NIST standard SP800-207. Through the project IonQ will help define a framework that supports secure deployment of quantum technologies across hardware, software, data and cloud environments. The resulting standards aim to enable trusted integration for federal agencies. Niccolo de Masi, chairman and chief executive of IonQ, said the work integrates continuous verification across the quantum platform to build trusted systems. Paul Lopata, chief quantum scientist at ARLIS, said the results are expected to support deployment into commercial systems for industry and government users with confidence. The collaboration adds to IonQ portfolio of federal partnerships that includes prior contracts with ARLIS, the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency and the U.S. Air Force Research Lab.