RaonSecure Acquires Patent for Post-Quantum Cryptography-Based Keypad Encryption

RaonSecure has acquired a patent for keypad encryption utilizing post-quantum cryptography, thereby strengthening its security solutions to protect information assets safely even in the era of quantum computers.

IT security and authentication platform company RaonSecure (Co-CEOs Lee Soonhyung and Lee Jeonga) announced on the 28th that it has registered a patent for a "Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC)-based keypad encryption method and system."

This patent is characterized by combining the PQC key exchange method of the module lattice-based key encapsulation mechanism (ML-KEM), which was adopted as a standard by the US National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), with keypad randomization technology.

By integrating the PQC method into the processes of keypad generation and user input information handling, the defense against conventional attack techniques such as screen capture, memory hacking, and key input tracking has been significantly enhanced. In addition, secure data encryption is possible even in quantum computing environments.

Currently, virtual keypad technology is widely used as a means to prevent the leakage of personal passwords or information in financial transactions and mobile authentication.

RaonSecure expects that, through this patent, it will be able to further enhance security levels in industries that require user information input via various devices such as smartphones, tablets, wearable devices, and in-vehicle infotainment systems.

Along with the registration of this patent, RaonSecure has strengthened the security of its mobile virtual keypad solution, "TouchEn mTranskey," by applying PQC. At the end of last year, PQC technology was also applied and commercialized in "Key# Wireless" and "Key# Biz," which provide electronic signature and section encryption functions in both mobile and PC environments.

With the acquisition of this patent, RaonSecure plans to sequentially apply PQC technology across its security solutions and authentication services, thereby accelerating the spread of the technology in the public, financial, and enterprise sectors.

Furthermore, RaonSecure possesses the technological capability to support both the Korean-style post-quantum cryptography (KpqC) and the US NIST PQC standard algorithms, thereby solidifying its leading position in terms of responding to international standards and securing global competitiveness.

Meanwhile, the government announced the "Post-Quantum Cryptography Master Plan" in 2023 to transition the national cryptographic system to PQC. The plan is to gradually expand the application of PQC to telecommunications, defense, and automotive sectors in 2026; to space, environment, and finance in 2027; and to the Internet of Things sector in 2028.

This year, in particular, pilot projects for PQC transition are being promoted, focusing on the energy, medical, and administrative sectors. RaonSecure has been selected as the lead company in the medical sector and is carrying out a project to apply PQC to an open medical data platform for the first time in Korea.

Lee Jeonga, Co-CEO of RaonSecure, stated, "This patent acquisition proves RaonSecure's technological capability to provide a secure authentication environment even in the era of quantum computers," and added, "We will continue to strengthen our security solutions and lead the security paradigm centered on post-quantum cryptography technology."