Fortinet®, the global cybersecurity leader driving the convergence of networking and security, has announced expanded quantum-resilient capabilities within its flagship unified operating system, FortiOS. With the release of FortiOS 7.6, organizations handling highly sensitive data can now adopt advanced post-quantum cryptography and key distribution features, reinforcing their infrastructures against quantum-powered threats before they become fully realized.
As quantum computing inches closer to practical application, Fortinet’s timely innovation equips businesses in telecom, financial services, healthcare, and government to proactively safeguard their long-term encrypted assets from threats such as “harvest-now, decrypt-later” (HNDL) attacks.
Fortinet integrates post-quantum cryptography into FortiOS 7.6 for enterprise customers.
New features defend against quantum computing threats like harvest-now, decrypt-later attacks.
FortiOS includes support for NIST-approved PQC algorithms: ML-KEM, BIKE, HQC, Frodo.
Quantum key distribution (QKD) supported via FortiOS 7.4+ for secure key exchanges.
Algorithm stacking and hybrid modes ease gradual shift to post-quantum security.
FortiGate NGFW and Secure SD-WAN customers can access quantum-safe features at no cost.
The latest version of FortiOS introduces a robust portfolio of quantum-safe capabilities for Fortinet customers. With quantum computers expected to break existing encryption standards, Fortinet's response is to preemptively arm security professionals with next-gen tools that secure encrypted traffic against future threats.
These features include post-quantum cryptographic (PQC) methods based on NIST standards, such as ML-KEM, and other promising contenders like BIKE, HQC, and Frodo. These algorithms are designed to be resistant to quantum decryption techniques, equipping enterprises with hardened protection for data that must remain secure over decades.
“At Fortinet, we’re committed to arming customers with cutting-edge technology to protect against new and emerging threats," said Michael Xie, Founder, President, and CTO at Fortinet. "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.”
Fortinet introduced QKD support starting with FortiOS 7.4—now enhanced in version 7.6 to ensure seamless integration with third-party QKD vendors. QKD leverages quantum mechanics to enable secure encryption key exchange, detecting any attempts at eavesdropping in real time.
By formalizing its integration with standardized QKD interfaces, Fortinet enables organizations to adopt resilient key exchange methods smoothly and effectively. QKD marks an essential layer in future-proofing data exchange, particularly for industries where long-term data confidentiality is critical.
One of the standout features in FortiOS 7.6 is algorithm stacking—an approach where multiple encryption algorithms are combined to build an even more secure defense posture. This enhances the strength of any one individual cryptographic method and reduces reliance on a single point of failure.
Additionally, Fortinet introduces hybrid deployment modes that allow organizations to combine current public-key cryptography with post-quantum innovations, facilitating a smooth and flexible migration path as standards evolve.
All quantum-safe features in FortiOS 7.6 are accessible at no added cost to existing FortiGate NGFW and Fortinet Secure SD-WAN customers. The release also includes a redesigned interface to simplify the configuration and ongoing management of quantum-safe security protocols. This reduces technical friction and promotes faster enterprise adoption of post-quantum standards.
“Consumers can trust Fortinet’s technology innovation and leadership to safeguard their critical data and future-proof their infrastructures,” added Xie.
Fortinet has long led with its vision of converging networking and security through a single operating system. The addition of quantum-safe features to FortiOS 7.6 is a direct extension of this convergence strategy—delivering security updates at scale and enabling forward-focused organizations to maintain control in the age of quantum disruption.
With threats from quantum computing looming on the horizon, businesses prepared with post-quantum protocols today gain strategic security advantages tomorrow.
About Fortinet
Fortinet (Nasdaq: FTNT) is a driving force in the evolution of cybersecurity and the convergence of networking and security. Our mission is to secure people, devices, and data everywhere, and today we deliver cybersecurity everywhere our customers need it with the largest integrated portfolio of over 50 enterprise-grade products. Well over half a million customers trust Fortinet's solutions, which are among the most deployed, most patented, and most validated in the industry. The Fortinet Training Institute, one of the largest and broadest training programs in the industry, is dedicated to making cybersecurity training and new career opportunities available to everyone. Collaboration with esteemed organizations from both the public and private sectors, including Computer Emergency Response Teams (“CERTS”), government entities, and academia, is a fundamental aspect of Fortinet’s commitment to enhance cyber resilience globally. FortiGuard Labs, Fortinet’s elite threat intelligence and research organization, develops and utilizes leading-edge machine learning and AI technologies to provide customers with timely and consistently top-rated protection and actionable threat intelligence.
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