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MicrosoftPatent applicationSecurity & privacyInterest 6/10

Microsoft patents way for old devices to get quantum-proof security

Patent drawing
Patent drawing from the official filing.

This filing describes a method where a device first connects to a server using its current, standard security identity. It then downloads a software update that gives it a new, separate identity designed to resist attacks from future quantum computers. Once updated, the device uses this new identity to securely talk to a different server.

Why it mattersIt offers a practical path for upgrading existing hardware to quantum-safe standards without replacing the entire device, which is a key challenge for long-term network security.

In the filing’s own words

Devices, systems, and methods for post-quantum (PQ) secure (PQS) communications are provided. A method includes authenticating, by a device and with a first server, using a legacy device identity, receiving and installing, by the device, a firmware upgrade that provides the device an ability to communicate in a PQS manner, establishing a PQS communication channel between the device and a second server, mutually authenticating, by the device and with the second server, using a PQ identity (PQI) of the device, the PQI different from the legacy identity, and responsive to successful mutual authentication, communicating between the device and the second server, using the PQS communication channel.

What exactly they claim (claim 1)

1. A method comprising: authenticating, by a device and with a first server, using a legacy device identity; receiving and installing, by the device, a firmware upgrade that provides the device an ability to communicate in a post-quantum (PQ) secure (PQS) manner; establishing a PQS communication channel between the device and a second server; mutually authenticating, by the device and with the second server, using a PQ identity (PQI) of the device, the PQI different from the legacy identity; and responsive to successful mutual authentication, communicating between the device and the second server, using the PQS communication channel.

Facts

Company
Microsoft (Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC)
Official title
POST-QUANTUM SAFE MUTUAL AUTHENTICATION COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS
Publication number
US20260322594A1
Application number
19178615
Filed
Apr 14, 2025
Published
Oct 15, 2026
Inventors
3
Claims
20

Classified under

H04L 9/0852 Electricity & electronicsH04L 9/3273 Electricity & electronicsG06F 21/445 Physics & computingG06F 21/606 Physics & computing
Read the full filing (official PDF) ↗ Open in the Patent Tracker

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Summaries are simplified from the filing’s own abstract and first claim. A patent filing is not a product announcement.
Patent data and drawings: U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). Nebula is not affiliated with or endorsed by the USPTO.