Broadcom has unveiled the groundbreaking Emulex secure fibre channel host bus adapters (HBA), heralding the industry's first quantum-resistant network encryption. This innovative technology addresses the urgent need for robust data protection in an era characterised by rampant ransomware attacks and the looming threat of quantum computing.
In 2024, the average cost of a ransomware attack skyrocketed to USD $5.37 million, making data encryption an imperative rather than a luxury. With cyber threats evolving, including the anticipated capabilities of generative AI and quantum computers, it is crucial for organisations to encrypt data at every juncture within their data centres.
The significance of this development is underscored by recent government mandates, such as the United States’ Commercial National Security Algorithm (CNSA) 2.0 and the European Union’s digital operational resilience act (DORA), which require enterprises to modernise their IT infrastructures using post-quantum cryptographic algorithms and zero trust architectures.
The Emulex Secure HBA offers a compelling solution to these challenges by encrypting all data as it traverses between servers and storage systems. Unlike application-based encryption, which often disrupts essential storage services like deduplication and compression, network encryption preserves these functionalities. Furthermore, it enables real-time ransomware detection, a critical capability that application-based methods lack, as they tend to obscure such attacks.
Jeff Hoogenboom, vice president and general manager of Broadcom's Emulex Connectivity Division, emphasised the necessity of this encryption technology: “Customers are seeking ways to protect themselves against crippling and expensive ransomware attacks as well as complying with new government regulations mandating all data be encrypted.” He noted that the Emulex Secure HBA provides a straightforward solution that, once installed, encrypts all data across various applications seamlessly.
As the demand for enhanced cybersecurity solutions grows, particularly in Asia, Broadcom's Emulex Secure HBA presents a formidable tool for organisations seeking to safeguard their critical data. With the dual benefits of quantum resistance and real-time ransomware detection, this innovation positions itself as an essential component of modern data protection strategies. The call is clear for chief information security officers (CISOs) across the region: prioritise quantum-resistant encryption to fortify your organisation against the evolving landscape of cyber threats.