Fortinet Unveils Quantum-Safe FortiOS 7.6 to Combat Future Cyber Threats

In a significant move to bolster cybersecurity against emerging quantum computing threats, Fortinet announced on July 22, 2025, the release of FortiOS 7.6. This latest version of the company's operating system introduces quantum-safe features designed to protect organizations from potential quantum-powered attacks that could compromise current encryption standards.

As quantum computing technology advances, it poses a substantial risk to existing cryptographic systems. Quantum computers have the potential to perform complex calculations at unprecedented speeds, potentially rendering current encryption methods obsolete. This development has raised concerns across various sectors, particularly those handling sensitive data.

FortiOS 7.6 addresses these concerns by integrating several key quantum-resistant features:

• Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC): The update incorporates National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)-approved algorithms like ML-KEM, along with emerging algorithms such as BIKE, HQC, and Frodo.

• Quantum Key Distribution (QKD): Utilizing principles of quantum mechanics, QKD enables secure encryption key exchanges, ensuring that any eavesdropping attempts are detectable.

• Algorithm Stacking: This approach combines multiple cryptographic algorithms to enhance the security of network infrastructures.

• Hybrid Mode: Facilitating a gradual transition to post-quantum security, this mode integrates traditional public-key cryptography with QKD.

• Enhanced User Interface: The update simplifies the configuration and management of quantum-safe settings for network administrators.

These advancements are particularly crucial for organizations in sectors such as telecommunications, financial services, government, and healthcare, where the protection of sensitive data is paramount. The quantum-safe features are available at no additional cost to FortiGate next-generation firewall and Fortinet Secure SD-WAN customers.

Michael Xie, Founder, President, and Chief Technology Officer at Fortinet, emphasized the company's commitment to proactive cybersecurity measures:

"At Fortinet, we’re committed to arming customers with cutting-edge technology to protect against new and emerging threats. As quantum computing advances, organizations can trust Fortinet’s technology innovation and leadership to safeguard their critical data and future-proof their infrastructures."

The integration of quantum-safe features into FortiOS 7.6 represents a proactive approach to cybersecurity, addressing potential future threats posed by quantum computing. This development underscores the importance for organizations, particularly those in sectors handling sensitive and long-lived data, to adopt quantum-resistant security measures to protect against evolving cyber threats.

The release of FortiOS 7.6 aligns with broader industry efforts to prepare for the quantum era. The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has been actively engaged in standardizing post-quantum cryptography (PQC) algorithms. In August 2024, NIST released final versions of the first three post-quantum encryption standards: FIPS 203, FIPS 204, and FIPS 205. These standards are designed to withstand attacks from quantum computers by changing how data is encrypted and decrypted.

The urgency of transitioning to quantum-resistant cryptography is further highlighted by the "harvest now, decrypt later" (HNDL) threat. In this scenario, cybercriminals collect encrypted data today with the intention of decrypting it once quantum computers become available. This tactic poses a significant risk to data security, especially for industries handling long-term sensitive information.

In response to these emerging threats, various organizations have begun implementing quantum-resistant technologies. For instance, ExpressVPN has integrated the WireGuard VPN protocol into its service and enhanced it with post-quantum encryption using the ML-KEM algorithm. This move aims to prepare the VPN industry for future risks posed by quantum computing, which can potentially break existing encryption methods.

The financial sector is also taking proactive steps. A Europol body has recommended that the European financial sector begin preparing now for the risks posed by quantum computers, which could break some types of encryption used to protect sensitive data. The Quantum Safe Financial Forum, created by the pan-European police agency, includes representatives from central banks in the U.S., Europe, and the U.K., as well as major financial institutions. The forum's key recommendation is for financial institutions to identify cryptographic standards vulnerable to quantum computers and plan operations accordingly.

The integration of quantum-safe features into FortiOS 7.6 represents a proactive approach to cybersecurity, addressing potential future threats posed by quantum computing. This development underscores the importance for organizations, particularly those in sectors handling sensitive and long-lived data, to adopt quantum-resistant security measures to protect against evolving cyber threats.

By incorporating these quantum-safe features, Fortinet is positioning itself at the forefront of cybersecurity innovation, ensuring that organizations are equipped to face the challenges posed by the next generation of computing technologies.