How Fortinet is Tackling Healthcare Quantum Cyber Threats

Despite safeguarding sensitive data for decades, traditional encryption methods are under threat as the rise of quantum computing continues.

Quantum computers, capable of processing vast calculations at speeds impossible for today’s classical systems, are set to render standard encryption algorithms obsolete, posing a transformative challenge to current cybersecurity defences.

In light of this shift, some cybercriminals are adopting “harvest now, decrypt later” tactics, stockpiling encrypted data today in the hope of breaking it once quantum power becomes available.

This means organisations in sectors including financial services, healthcare, telecommunications and government, where data sensitivity is exceptionally high and its value persists over time,  quantum-resilient cybersecurity is an immediate necessity.

Introducing Fortinet FortiOS

FortiOS is the foundation of Fortinet's Security Fabric, delivering a unified and high-performance cybersecurity platform that seamlessly converges security and networking functions.

Fortinet has expanded FortiOS, its flagship operating system, to provide advanced defences against quantum-enabled cyber threats.

With the release of FortiOS 7.6, organisations leveraging FortiGate Next-Generation Firewall (NGFW) and Fortinet Secure SD-WAN now access built-in quantum-safe features.

The new key quantum-safe innovations in FortiOS are:

1. Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC): FortiOS integrates National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)-approved post-quantum cryptographic algorithms, including ML-KEM, as well as promising contenders like BIKE, HQC and Frodo. These methods are designed to resist the computational power of quantum attacks.
2. Quantum Key Distribution (QKD): Leveraging quantum mechanics principles, QKD enables secure key exchange by ensuring any eavesdropping is immediately detectable. Since FortiOS 7.4, the system supports plug-and-play integration with leading QKD vendors via standardised interfaces, underlining Fortinet’s commitment to quantum-resilient infrastructure.
3. Algorithm stacking: By combining multiple cryptographic algorithms, FortiOS algorithm stacking strengthens network defences, making unauthorised decryption more complex — even for quantum adversaries.
4. Hybrid security mode: This allows a gradual, seamless transition between traditional public-key cryptography and new quantum key technologies, giving organisations time to adapt without disruption.
5. User-friendly management: FortiOS introduces an enhanced interface that demystifies the configuration of quantum-safe settings, empowering network administrators to implement robust protections without needing deep quantum expertise.

“At Fortinet, we’re committed to arming customers with cutting-edge technology to protect against new and emerging threats,” Michael Xie, Founder, President and CTO at Fortinet, says.

“As quantum computing advances, organisations can trust Fortinet’s technology innovation and leadership to safeguard their critical data and future-proof their infrastructures. 

“Many enterprises are eager to take action to protect their networks from quantum-powered threats. That’s why we’ve made cutting-edge, quantum-safe features available today for FortiGate NGFW and Fortinet Secure SD-WAN customers, so they can confidently transition to post-quantum security.”

Making post-quantum security accessible

A common concern with complex new cryptographic methods is system performance.

To mitigate this issue, Fortinet has curated its design philosophy to ensure these quantum-safe features are delivered without impacting network speed or scalability.

This means organisations can secure data now while maintaining seamless business operations.

Fortinet’s unified operating system model means these quantum-safe capabilities are consistently available across its platforms, meaning there’s no extra cost for FortiOS customers and deployment is streamlined via integration with existing tools.

For those aiming to prepare for the quantum future – without disrupting today’s operations or incurring unexpected expenses, this model presents a compelling blueprint for resilience.

Is Fortinet setting a new standard for cyber resilience?

Thanks to Fortinet’s expansion of FortiOS, businesses, governments and healthcare providers can now navigate the transition to the post-quantum world proactively and with confidence.

By embracing these innovations today, organisations position themselves to withstand tomorrow’s threats and keep their most vital data secure, no matter what the next era of computing brings.