Quantum Xchange Unveils Virtual Container Key Management Solution for Seamless Post-Quantum Cryptography Migration
At Cisco Live, Cisco’s premier annual IT and communications conference, Quantum Xchange made a groundbreaking announcement: the release of its Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC) key management solution, Phio TX®, now available as a virtual container. This new iteration, called Phio TX-EM, is designed to empower Cisco networking users to seamlessly transition to NIST-standardized PQC without experiencing network downtime or performance degradation. Compatible with Cisco’s IOS XE, IOS XR, and Nexus NX-OS operating systems, this innovation marks a pivotal step forward in securing critical infrastructure against emerging quantum threats.
A Breakthrough in Post-Quantum Security
As quantum computing advances, the need for robust cryptographic solutions has never been more urgent. Quantum Xchange’s Phio TX-EM is the industry’s first NIST-validated FIPS 203 end-to-end solution, ensuring compliance with the latest cryptographic standards. It supports all ML-KEM algorithms recommended by NIST for post-quantum security, making it a future-proof choice for organizations looking to protect their data from quantum-enabled attacks.
The virtual container format of Phio TX-EM allows for seamless integration with Cisco networking devices that support containers, such as the Cisco Catalyst 8000v, NCS 540, and Nexus switches. This compatibility enables over-the-network provisioning, installation, configuration, and distribution of Phio TX key management as an integrated process within the network itself. By embedding key management directly into the network infrastructure, organizations can achieve enhanced security without disrupting existing workflows.
Enhanced Security Features for Modern Networks
One of the standout features of Phio TX-EM is its ability to keep SKIP key requests within the cryptographic boundary of the device. This ensures that the SKIP PQC implementation remains secure, eliminating the risk of data leakage caused by weakly configured external SKIP calls. Only FIPS-validated PQC key exchanges are transmitted between devices, providing an additional layer of protection.
Moreover, Phio TX-EM eliminates reliance on pre-shared or static keys, which are often vulnerable to “harvest now, decrypt later” (HNDL) attacks. Instead, it uses ephemeral keys that are dynamically generated in-memory and deleted immediately after use. A strong symmetric key is created and transmitted out-of-band, independent of the encrypted data. This approach mitigates the risk of man-in-the-middle attacks and ensures that sensitive information remains secure even in the face of quantum computing threats.
Crypto-Agility and Zero Downtime Deployment
In today’s fast-paced digital landscape, organizations require flexible and adaptable security solutions. Phio TX-EM delivers crypto-agile capabilities, allowing customers to meet their unique data security requirements while upgrading their network infrastructure to quantum safety. Its deployment as a virtual container offers unparalleled choice and flexibility, enabling organizations to integrate PQC without overhauling their existing systems.
According to Antonio Sanchez, Chief Strategy Officer at Quantum Xchange, “Our support for Cisco’s SKIP protocol and network operating systems exemplifies Quantum Xchange’s commitment to providing practical pathways to quantum readiness. With Phio TX-EM, customers can harden their infrastructure today while preparing for tomorrow’s quantum challenges—all with zero static keys, zero downtime, and zero added latency.”
This emphasis on zero disruption makes Phio TX-EM an ideal solution for enterprises seeking to future-proof their networks without compromising performance or operational efficiency.
Demonstrating Innovation at Cisco Live
Quantum Xchange showcased Phio TX-EM and its various deployment options in the Security & Networking Village at Cisco Live, held in San Diego from June 8-12, 2025. The event brought together the brightest minds in IT to share knowledge, collaborate, and explore cutting-edge technologies. During the conference, Quantum Xchange delivered a presentation titled “Fast Track to Post-Quantum Security,” which highlighted the importance of adopting quantum-safe solutions and demonstrated how Phio TX-EM can simplify the migration process.
Attendees had the opportunity to view live demonstrations of the solution and learn about its capabilities firsthand. For those unable to attend, the presentation is available on the Cisco Live website, offering valuable insights into the role of post-quantum cryptography in safeguarding modern networks.
Why Phio TX-EM Matters for Organizations
As quantum computing continues to evolve, traditional cryptographic methods are becoming increasingly vulnerable. Organizations must act now to protect their data and infrastructure from potential threats. Phio TX-EM provides a practical and scalable solution for achieving quantum readiness, ensuring that businesses remain resilient in the face of technological advancements.
By supporting standard key management protocols like SKIP and ETSI, Phio TX-EM enables drop-in integration without requiring changes to existing router configurations. This ease of adoption, combined with its advanced security features, makes it an indispensable tool for organizations looking to stay ahead of the curve.
A Step Toward a Quantum-Safe Future
The release of Phio TX-EM underscores Quantum Xchange’s leadership in the field of post-quantum cryptography. By addressing the challenges associated with migrating to PQC, the company is helping organizations fortify their networks against current and future threats. As industries worldwide grapple with the implications of quantum computing, solutions like Phio TX-EM will play a crucial role in ensuring long-term data security and operational integrity.
For organizations seeking to enhance their cryptographic defenses and prepare for the quantum era, Phio TX-EM represents a significant leap forward. With its compatibility, security, and ease of deployment, this innovative solution sets a new standard for post-quantum key management, empowering businesses to embrace the future with confidence.
About Quantum Xchange
Quantum Xchange protects confidential and classified data from advances in computing and everyday cybersecurity risks. Its award-winning key management platform, Phio TX empowers organizations to bring existing IT infrastructures into the post-quantum era easily and affordably with an innovative, secure, and flexible architecture. Commercial enterprises and government agencies can leverage trusted standards for quantum-safe protection, embrace crypto-agility, and establish a cryptographic center of excellence with no network or application downtime and no performance degradation. To learn more visit QuantumXC.com.
