Western Digital has integrated NIST-approved post-quantum cryptography into its new Ultrastar UltraSMR hard drives, a significant milestone in the adoption of quantum-resistant security in storage infrastructure. These drives are designed to counter "harvest now, decrypt later" threats and firmware-level attacks by utilizing ML-DSA-87 code signing and dual-signing with RSA-3072, alongside quantum-ready key management infrastructure. The Ultrastar DC HC6100 UltraSMR drives, which feature this post-quantum cryptography, are currently being deployed. This development underscores the growing urgency of migrating to post-quantum cryptography, as quantum computing advancements threaten to compromise existing cryptographic standards1. The implementation of post-quantum cryptography in hard drives is a crucial step towards securing data in the face of emerging quantum threats, and practitioners must take note of this development to ensure the long-term security of their data systems.
Western Digital Adds Post-Quantum Cryptography to Hard Drives
⚡ High Priority
Why This Matters
Quantum developments from post-quantum narrow the timeline on cryptographic migration — PQC planning urgency increases.
References
- The Quantum Insider. (2026, May 19). Western Digital Adds Post-Quantum Cryptography to Hard Drives. *The Quantum Insider*. https://thequantuminsider.com/2026/05/19/western-digital-adds-post-quantum-cryptography-to-hard-drives/
Original Source
The Quantum Insider
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