Spanish defense contractor Indra will integrate a secure communication system to withstand quantum computer attacks into the European Commission’s upcoming virtual cyber risk management center.
The project is part of a 2023 program launched with a Leonardo-led consortium for new digital infrastructure with real-time tracking capability to protect against cyber criminal groups.
The resulting solution will leverage various databases to gather intelligence from activities across the internet, social networks, and the dark web.
Indra’s COMSec
Under the initiative, Indra will equip the center with its proprietary COMSec technology to provide end-to-end encrypted voice, video, and instant messaging services.
The platforms will protect data across computers and mobile phones using cellular, wireless, or satellite networks, permitting users to hold simultaneous telephone conversations and video conferences and exchange sensitive information worldwide.
Indra’s COMSec will secure information being exchanged within the center and data stored in it to counter “harvest now, decrypt later” threats at any time.
The firm noted that the post-quantum protocol complies with the European Network and Information Systems Security standard and is being supervised by the Spanish National Cryptologic Center.
Setting the Bar
Indra wrote that the company is exploring procedures to support data transfer between the future EU cyber management capability incorporating systems as well as with outside environments.
The next phase will involve the coordination of the center with networks under other operations facilities throughout Spain.
Once completed, the center is expected to bolster cybersecurity across Europe by utilizing “new, more secure algorithms.”
The company added that the project will “promote the development of the information and knowledge” against criminal organizations responsible for disinformation campaigns, cyberattacks, ransomware, phishing, and denial of service.
“We’re proud that the European Union has chosen Leonardo and Indra as partners to implement an important center for the security of the continent such as this one, which will set the bar globally in terms of cybersecurity and intelligence,” Indra Cyber Defence Unit Deputy Director Luis García de la Iglesia remarked.
