System Architecture
Corvus.Quantum combines Apache Kafka's distributed streaming backbone with post-quantum cryptographic layers. The platform deploys on-premises or on cloud infrastructure via Azure Event Hubs. This supports both classified and commercial environments. Data producers encrypt payloads using NTRUEncrypt before publishing to Kafka topics. Consumers decrypt only after key verification. A Zero Trust perimeter enforces continuous authentication at every boundary. The key distribution layer supports both physical unclonable keys and Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) protocols.
How It Works
The platform follows a five-stage secure communication pipeline. New participants enroll through a Zero Trust registration process. They receive cryptographic keys via dual distribution channels. Data is encrypted at the source and streamed through Kafka's fault-tolerant infrastructure. Recipients decrypt messages only after full key verification. Continuous security protocols ensure adaptive key rotation and persistent authentication throughout every session.
Registration
Zero Trust enrollment with identity verification
Key Distribution
Physical keys + QKD protocol delivery via secure channels
Encrypt & Stream
Data encrypted at source, streamed via Kafka topics
Receive & Decrypt
Recipients retrieve and decrypt with verified keys
Continuous Security
Adaptive key rotation and ongoing authentication
Key Features
Corvus.Quantum integrates six core capabilities into a unified platform, combining post-quantum cryptographic algorithms with enterprise-grade streaming infrastructure and a Zero Trust security model.
Post-Quantum Encryption
NTRUEncrypt and CRYSTALS-Kyber lattice-based cryptography resistant to quantum computer attacks
Zero Trust Architecture
No inherent trust in any entity. Continuous verification of every user, device, and transaction
Real-Time Streaming
Apache Kafka distributed architecture, cloud-deployable via Azure Event Hubs, handling text, audio, and video at scale
Dual Key Distribution
Physical unclonable keys delivered via secured channels, complemented by Quantum Key Distribution protocols
End-to-End Encryption
Data encrypted from producer to consumer with quantum-proof protection at rest using AES-256
Multi-Format Support
Text, audio, and video streaming with dedicated Python and Java SDKs for seamless integration
Defense in Depth
Corvus.Quantum employs a layered security model. Multiple independent defenses protect mission-critical data. Each ring represents a distinct security barrier. The outermost Zero Trust perimeter continuously verifies all entities. Quantum Key Distribution secures key exchange. Lattice-based NTRUEncrypt encryption protects data payloads. Physical unclonable key authentication gates access to the protected core. Compromising any single layer still leaves all inner layers intact.
Why Quantum-Proof
Classical encryption (RSA, ECC) relies on integer factorization. Quantum computers can solve this efficiently using Shor's algorithm. Lattice-based cryptography works in a different mathematical domain. It hides secrets inside high-dimensional geometric lattices. Finding the shortest vector in such a lattice is computationally infeasible for both classical and quantum machines. As dimensions increase, the search space expands exponentially. Brute-force attacks become impossible regardless of computing power.
Classical Encryption (RSA)
Quantum computers can factor large numbers in polynomial time, breaking RSA and ECC encryption that protects most internet traffic today.
Lattice Encryption (NTRUEncrypt)
Even quantum computers cannot efficiently solve the Shortest Vector Problem in high-dimensional lattices, making NTRUEncrypt resilient against all known attack vectors.
CIA Triad Compliance
The platform addresses all three pillars of information security. Confidentiality is maintained against quantum threats. Data integrity is ensured through Zero Trust localized encryption. Availability is guaranteed through Kafka's distributed, fault-tolerant infrastructure.
Confidentiality
NTRUEncrypt lattice-based encryption ensures data remains confidential even against quantum computing threats, including over advanced 5G networks
Integrity
Zero Trust architecture with localized encryption and decryption at endpoints guarantees only encrypted data transits the network
Availability
Apache Kafka's fault-tolerant, horizontally scalable architecture — deployable on-premises or via Azure Event Hubs — ensures consistent data access even during unexpected system interruptions
Technology Stack
Corvus.Quantum is built on mature, battle-tested technologies. Apache Kafka provides the distributed messaging backbone. Cloud deployment is supported via Azure Event Hubs (Kafka-compatible). NTRUEncrypt and CRYSTALS-Kyber deliver quantum-resilient cryptography. QKD protocols enable physics-based key exchange. AES-256 secures data at rest. Dedicated SDKs for Python and Java allow rapid integration into existing military and enterprise systems.
Use Case: Unmanned Aerial Systems
Corvus.Quantum is battle-proven. It is currently operational in Ukrainian combat zones. The platform secures drone communications across contested electromagnetic environments. Adversaries in these environments actively intercept every available signal. Ukrainian UAV operations transmit mission-critical data — live video feeds, target coordinates, telemetry, and command signals. This data travels through airspace saturated with electronic warfare systems designed to capture and exploit communications.
Traditional encryption creates a dangerous false sense of security. Intercepted data may appear safe today. But adversaries can store it and decrypt it years later, once quantum computers become available. This exposes operationally sensitive intelligence long after the mission ends. This "harvest now, decrypt later" strategy is already being employed by state-level actors.
Corvus.Quantum eliminates this threat entirely. Intercepted drone communications are mathematically undecryptable with lattice-based post-quantum encryption. This is not just difficult — it is provably infeasible for any computer, classical or quantum. Even if an adversary captures every byte of encrypted telemetry, video, and coordinates, they gain nothing. The data remains permanently locked without the physical unclonable keys and lattice-based key pairs. These keys never traverse the network. This is not a theoretical capability — it is deployed and operational in one of the most demanding electronic warfare environments in modern history.
Live Telemetry
Real-time encrypted streaming of UAV position, altitude, heading, and sensor data over contested airspace
Video & Imagery
Quantum-resistant encryption of reconnaissance video feeds, ensuring captured footage remains permanently sealed
Command & Control
Secure C2 channels with Zero Trust verification — every command authenticated, every response encrypted at source
Challenges it solves
- Current encryption standards increasingly vulnerable to advances in quantum computing
- Sensitive data in transit across untrusted networks exposed to interception
- Traditional key distribution methods susceptible to man-in-the-middle attacks
- Fragmented security across text, audio, and video communication channels
Value
- Future-proof encryption that withstands both classical and quantum computing threats
- Complete end-to-end protection with Zero Trust verification at every layer
- Unbreakable key distribution through physical keys and Quantum Key Distribution
- Unified platform securing all data formats with a single, scalable architecture
Target Audience
Related Services
Corvus.Quantum is built on our secure communications and cryptography engineering practice. Explore the development services that underpin the platform.
Frequently Asked Questions
+What is Corvus.Quantum?
Corvus.Quantum is a battle-proven, quantum-resilient streaming platform built on Apache Kafka. It delivers end-to-end post-quantum encryption for real-time transmission of text, audio, and video data. The platform is deployable on-premises or via cloud services such as Azure Event Hubs, and has been tested and operated in active combat zones in Ukraine.
+What encryption algorithms does Corvus.Quantum use?
Corvus.Quantum uses NTRUEncrypt and CRYSTALS-Kyber lattice-based cryptographic algorithms. These post-quantum cryptography (PQC) standards are designed to resist attacks from both classical and quantum computers. Data at rest is additionally protected with AES-256 encryption.
+What is Zero Trust Architecture in Corvus.Quantum?
Zero Trust Architecture in Corvus.Quantum means that no entity — user, device, or transaction — is inherently trusted. Every access request is continuously verified through identity checks and authentication protocols, ensuring that even internal network actors cannot access data without verified credentials.
+How does key distribution work in Corvus.Quantum?
Corvus.Quantum uses a dual key distribution approach. Physical unclonable keys are delivered via secured channels, complemented by Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) protocols. Keys are subject to adaptive rotation as part of continuous security operations.
+What data formats does Corvus.Quantum support?
Corvus.Quantum supports text, audio, and video streaming. The platform provides dedicated Python and Java SDKs for integration into existing systems and workflows.
+Where has Corvus.Quantum been deployed operationally?
Corvus.Quantum is currently operational in Ukrainian combat zones, where it secures drone communications across contested airspace. It protects live telemetry, video feeds, target coordinates, and command signals from electronic warfare interception.
+What is a harvest-now-decrypt-later attack and how does Corvus.Quantum address it?
A harvest-now-decrypt-later attack is a strategy where adversaries intercept and store encrypted communications today, intending to decrypt them once quantum computers become powerful enough to break current encryption. Corvus.Quantum's post-quantum encryption algorithms are designed to remain secure against this threat.
+Can Corvus.Quantum be deployed on-premises?
Yes. Corvus.Quantum is deployable on-premises or via cloud services including Azure Event Hubs, depending on operational security requirements and infrastructure constraints.
+Who is Corvus.Quantum designed for?
Corvus.Quantum is designed for military and defense operations, NATO alliance partners, intelligence agencies, critical infrastructure operators, government communications, and financial institutions that require future-proof encryption for sensitive data in transit.
+How can I request a demonstration of Corvus.Quantum?
You can request a demonstration via the Book a Demo page, or contact us at contact@corvusintell.com.
Contact
Interested in Corvus.Quantum for your organisation? Get in touch for a demo or technical details.
Request a Demo or email contact@corvusintell.com