QS7001 Secure Element Passes Technical Security Evaluation
The hardware hits a key security milestone, paving the way for post-quantum cryptographic integration in 2027.
Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in Quantum Computing
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SEALSQ has completed the technical evaluation phase for its QS7001 secure element under the Common Criteria EAL5+ security standard. This development marks the successful passage of physical and functional security tests, including resistance to side-channel and fault-injection attacks.
Why it matters
As industries prepare for post-quantum cryptographic standards, this evaluation provides a validated hardware foundation for secure data protection. The certification ensures the hardware can withstand advanced physical attacks, critical for long-term security deployments.
The QS7001 secure element achieved EAL5 augmented with ALC_DVS.2 and AVA_VAN.5 assurance levels, confirming resistance to physical and side-channel threats. This follows the device's NIST SP 800-90B entropy validation.
The players
SEALSQ
A developer of semiconductors and secure elements for high-security applications like IoT and quantum-resistant infrastructure.
SERMA Safety & Security
A laboratory specializing in security evaluations and certification audits for integrated circuits and embedded systems.
The details
SERMA Safety & Security conducted the testing, which evaluated the chip's susceptibility to physical tampering and side-channel attacks—a method of inferring secret keys by monitoring a device's power consumption or electromagnetic emissions. The evaluation verified the chip's hardware security, which supports platforms such as VaultIC409 and QVault TPM. Future work involves V2 full post-quantum evaluations, which require site audits across development and assembly facilities.
Timeline
March 2026: Fault-injection and side-channel testing completed.
May 2026: Obtained NIST SP 800-90B Entropy Source Validation.
September 30, 2026: 42 prospective customers were reported evaluating the hardware.
October 27, 2026: Completion of technical evaluation phase.
January 2027: Site audits and V2 post-quantum evaluation scheduled.
The Tech Race
This evaluation positions SEALSQ to support upcoming post-quantum security requirements by ensuring hardware can withstand modern physical attack vectors. The firm is currently ahead of its 2027 formal certification goal, competing to establish trusted hardware foundations for the quantum era.
Manufacturers integrating the QS7001 platform can now verify its security baseline against the EAL5+ standard for their upcoming product cycles. The hardware is currently in evaluation by 42 prospective partners, with wider availability for post-quantum applications expected following 2027 certifications.
The takeaway
The successful technical evaluation proves the hardware can withstand specialized physical attacks, a necessary hurdle before full industry adoption. Watch for the 2027 full certification results to confirm the platform's readiness for widespread post-quantum implementation.
What happens next
Site audits in France and at partner locations are scheduled for January 2027, with the V2 post-quantum evaluation also slated for that month.
Further reading
For more on the hardware foundations of secure infrastructure, visit the Quantum Computing section.
More information
For detailed specifications, visit the SEALSQ company and technology information portal.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Manila times.
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