IonQ Advances Quantum Security with NIST Standards-Based Framework

IonQ, a quantum computing company, is collaborating with the Applied Research Laboratory for Intelligence and Security (ARLIS) to bolster quantum security using standards established by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). The project, part of the SEQCURE program sponsored by the Secretary of the Air Force, aims to transition quantum security from traditional perimeter defenses to a system of continuous verification across hardware, software, and networks. This shift will implement Zero Trust Architecture (ZTA), as defined in NIST standard SP800-207, to ensure ongoing access control to critical resources. “As quantum systems transition into the bedrock of national infrastructure, the shift from legacy perimeter security to a Zero Trust Architecture is a strategic imperative,” said Niccolo de Masi, Chairman and CEO of IonQ. The resulting architecture will guide secure integration of quantum technologies within federal agencies and beyond. IonQ and ARLIS Launch SEQCURE for Quantum Security Advancement This isn’t simply about adding layers to existing security; it’s about building a fundamentally different approach to trust. SEQCURE is based on aligning with NIST standard SP800-207, which defines Zero Trust Architecture (ZTA). IonQ will leverage this framework to analyze current commercial quantum computing security practices and determine how to implement continuous verification across the entire quantum platform, including computing, networking, sensing, and security. This move acknowledges that traditional security models, reliant on defined boundaries, are insufficient for protecting data and operations within the complex and interconnected world of quantum information processing. The resulting architecture standards are intended to guide secure integration not only within IonQ’s systems but also across federal agencies. Paul Lopata, Chief Quantum Scientist at ARLIS, expressed optimism about the project’s broader impact, stating, “We are hopeful that the results of this work will eventually be deployed into commercial systems for industry and government users to use with confidence.” This collaboration builds upon IonQ’s existing partnerships with organizations like DARPA and the U.S.

Air Force Research Lab, solidifying its position as a key player in developing a secure and verifiable quantum ecosystem. The company recently achieved 99.99% two-qubit gate fidelity in 2025, demonstrating ongoing advancements in quantum computing performance that underscore the need for robust security measures. NIST SP800-207 Defines Zero Trust Architecture Transition The current cybersecurity paradigm, largely built on perimeter-based defenses, is increasingly inadequate for protecting sensitive data and systems, particularly as quantum computing capabilities advance. Traditional security models assume that everything inside a network is trustworthy, a presumption easily breached by sophisticated attacks or insider threats. This has prompted a fundamental shift toward Zero Trust Architecture (ZTA), a concept gaining traction across both public and private sectors, and now being formally codified through standards like NIST Special Publication 800-207. While the principles of ZTA have been discussed for years, the formalization by NIST provides a crucial framework for implementation, moving beyond theoretical discussions to practical application. This collaboration isn’t merely about bolting on extra security layers; it’s about fundamentally rethinking how access is granted and verified. The project centers on aligning with the NIST SP800-207 standard, which emphasizes continuous verification of access to all resources, regardless of location or user. Through this initiative, IonQ is assisting ARLIS in defining a ZTA framework applicable to quantum hardware, software, data, and cloud environments, with the intention that the resulting standards will be adopted across federal agencies.

Air Force Research Lab is demonstrating a commitment to securing the future quantum ecosystem. As quantum systems transition into the bedrock of national infrastructure, the shift from legacy perimeter security to a Zero Trust Architecture is a strategic imperative.Niccolo de Masi, Chairman and CEO of IonQ 99% Two-Qubit Gate Fidelity Achieved in 2025 IonQ’s pursuit of quantum computing advancement reached a significant milestone in 2025 with the achievement of 99.99% two-qubit gate fidelity, a figure that dramatically reduces error rates and pushes the boundaries of what’s computationally possible. This record-setting performance isn’t merely an incremental improvement; it represents a substantial leap toward building practical, reliable quantum systems capable of tackling complex problems beyond the reach of classical computers. The accomplishment builds upon the company’s existing partnerships with organizations like Amazon Web Services, AstraZeneca, and NVIDIA, and signals a growing maturity in the field. This heightened fidelity is crucial because quantum computations are inherently susceptible to errors stemming from environmental noise and imperfections in the qubits themselves. Each operation, or “gate,” introduces a chance for these errors to accumulate, quickly rendering results meaningless. Achieving 99.99% fidelity means that, for every 10,000 operations, fewer than one is likely to be incorrect, a level of precision previously unattainable. The collaboration with ARLIS centers on implementing Zero Trust Architecture (ZTA), a security framework defined by NIST standard SP800-207, which moves away from traditional perimeter-based security to continuous verification of access. IonQ will assist ARLIS in defining this framework, ensuring secure deployment of quantum technologies across hardware, software, and cloud environments. This project with ARLIS is a definitive step in creating the secure, verifiable framework required for the future of the quantum internet and national-scale deployments.Niccolo de Masi, Chairman and CEO of IonQ Quantum Platform Integrates Computing, Networking, and Security Pillars The convergence of quantum computing, networking, and security is no longer a distant prospect; it’s actively being architected to address vulnerabilities inherent in current digital infrastructure. This shift acknowledges that conventional approaches, which assume trustworthiness within a network, are increasingly inadequate in the face of sophisticated threats and the unique characteristics of quantum technology. This collaboration isn’t simply about bolting security features onto existing quantum computers, but rather fundamentally rethinking how trust is established and maintained. The goal is to continuously verify access to all critical resources, hardware, software, data, and cloud environments, rather than relying on implicit trust based on network location. By integrating NIST-defined continuous verification across every pillar of our quantum platform, computing, networking, sensing, and security, we are not just building the world’s most powerful quantum systems; we are ensuring they are the most trusted quantum ecosystem.Niccolo de Masi, Chairman and CEO of IonQ Source: https://www.ionq.com/news/ionq-and-arlis-partner-to-establish-zero-trust-security-framework-for-mission-critical-quantum-architectures Tags: