La Sierra University Launches Quantum-Secure Pilot to Protect Data
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Insider BriefPRESS RELEASE — This spring, La Sierra University is joining a short list of U.S. and international universities moving proactively to defend against future cyber threats tied to quantum computing, an advanced technology that solves problems exponentially faster than traditional computers.In June, La Sierra’s Department of Information Technology, in collaboration with enQase, will launch a pilot quantum-safe virtual private network (VPN) for an initial group of 25 university staff members. Future phases will expand the deployment to students, faculty, and eventually the broader campus community.The VPN platform is designed to replace traditional VPN solutions built on classical encryption methods that may become vulnerable to emerging quantum computing threats, particularly “Harvest Now, Decrypt Later” (HNDL) attacks. In these attacks, malicious actors intercept and store encrypted data today with the intention of decrypting it in the future once quantum computers become capable of breaking conventional RSA and ECC encryption.According to enQase Chief Executive Officer Rajesh Patil, the initiative positions La Sierra University among the first universities in the United States pursuing a fully implemented quantum-safe campus network.To celebrate the launch, the university will host an invitation-based technology demonstration and media information session on Wednesday, May 27.“The adoption of this cutting-edge, forward-looking technology not only places the university on the map in high-end data protection––this initiative is one pathway by which we live out our values of care for our campus community, through our work to provide a safe environment for students as they move toward transformational educational goals,” said La Sierra University President Christon Arthur. “And this effort to safeguard sensitive, institutional data with groundbreaking technology builds upon our core value of accountability. We welcome enQase and HyperTree and are excited about collaborations that will help our campus to move securely forward in fulfilling our God-given mission.”The pilot rollout marks the beginning of a three-year roadmap to establish a comprehensive quantum-secure technology environment across the university.Quantum security refers to technologies and protocols designed to protect digital systems against threats posed by future quantum computers. These systems are expected to challenge the encryption standards currently used to secure financial systems, healthcare records, intellectual property, national security data, and online communications.Industry experts believe commercially viable quantum computers could emerge around 2030. Major technology companies such as IBM, Google, and Amazon Web Services are investing heavily in quantum computing research and infrastructure.“The VPN system is the front door to the campus,” said Scott Martell, La Sierra’s chief information officer and vice president of information technology. “Whether users are remote or on campus, secure connectivity is critical to protecting university systems and data.”“As security is a critical pillar of the foundation we are building at La Sierra, I sought a platform and strategic partner that could help us implement a long-term quantum-safe architecture across the university,” Martell said. “Working with enQase, we are beginning the journey toward becoming a quantum-safe university and establishing a strong foundation for innovation, resilience, and digital trust.”“We are excited to partner with La Sierra as it advances toward becoming a quantum-safe university,” Patil added. “This is where most universities will be within the next three to five years, and La Sierra is helping lead that transition.”Steve Menges, executive vice president of marketing and partnerships at enQase, noted that although today’s quantum computers remain largely confined to research laboratories, investment and development activity is accelerating rapidly.“There is an enormous amount of capital being invested into creating commercially available quantum computers,” Menges said. “Organizations need to begin preparing now rather than waiting until the technology becomes mainstream.”The transition toward quantum-safe security is also being accelerated by evolving regulatory and standards guidance.
The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has established timelines encouraging federal agencies, contractors, and institutions handling sensitive research data to transition toward post-quantum cryptographic standards by 2032.“This is a mandate-driven migration from classical encryption to quantum-safe encryption,” Patil said. “Organizations across the U.S. will need to modernize their cryptographic infrastructure over the coming years.”The deployment aligns with Martell’s three-pillar IT strategy for La Sierra University: Stabilize, Secure, and Innovate.“La Sierra has experienced significant misalignment between technology, people, and resources over several years,” Martell said. “This framework establishes a foundation for long-term success.”Martell explained that systems and data flows must first be stabilized and documented before advanced security capabilities can be effectively implemented to support innovation and future growth.Martell also highlighted enQase’s leadership in Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) and quantum-safe security technologies, which use advanced cryptographic methods and high-entropy key generation (QRNG) to strengthen protection for sensitive data against emerging quantum computing threats.In addition to the enQase deployment, La Sierra’s IT organization will work closely with HyperTree Technology and Consulting on vulnerability assessments, security audits, and broader risk management initiatives.“They bring a wealth of experience and expertise in technology innovation and cybersecurity,” Martell said. “Their guidance will help maximize the success of this partnership between La Sierra and enQase.”Share this article:Keep track of everything going on in the Quantum Technology Market.In one place.