Exgate, a network security specialist, has become the first company in Korea to receive KCMVP (Korea Cryptographic Module Validation Program) certification from the National Intelligence Service (NIS) for its post-quantum cryptography (PQC)-based hybrid cryptographic module. PQC modules are encryption modules designed to defend against attacks that leverage the computational power of quantum computers.
Exgate announced Tuesday that it has secured the country's first PQC-based software certification, following its earlier national certification for a hardware-based Quantum Random Number Generator (QRNG).
KCMVP is a government-run program that verifies the cryptographic performance of security products deployed in national and public institutions. This marks the first KCMVP certification granted since the national guidelines were revised in December last year.
Exgate has focused on quantum research activities, including filing a patent for its ultra-compact quantum chip AXQ1, applying for a trademark on its hybrid quantum platform "AX-Quantum," and being selected as a candidate for both NIST and K-PQC standardization. These efforts led to the company's first delivery in the defense sector last year, with revenue rising 11% year-on-year to 48.1 billion won ($34 million).
"Government and public institutions have recognized the need to adopt PQC to counter quantum computing threats, but have struggled with actual implementation due to the absence of verified certified modules," an Exgate official said. "With Exgate's KCMVP certification resolving the institutional and technical barriers that had blocked government adoption of PQC, the quantum transition in the public sector will gain significant momentum."
Exgate plans to continue leading the next-generation security market by presenting a standard model capable of protecting critical national infrastructure from emerging threats in the quantum computing era.
