IonQ (NYSE: IONQ) announced a collaboration with the Applied Research Laboratory for Intelligence and Security (ARLIS) to develop a Zero Trust security framework for quantum computing systems. The partnership is part of the SEQCURE program, sponsored by the Secretary of the Air Force's Concepts, Development, and Management Office.

The collaboration aims to analyze existing quantum computing security practices and develop Zero Trust Architecture (ZTA) for future quantum computers. ZTA, defined by NIST standard SP800-207, involves continuous verification of access to computer system resources rather than relying on static perimeter-based security.

IonQ will assist ARLIS in defining a ZTA framework based on National Institute of Standards and Technology standards for secure deployment across hardware, software, data, and cloud environments. The resulting architecture standards are intended to guide integration across federal agencies.

"As quantum systems transition into the bedrock of national infrastructure, the shift from legacy perimeter security to a Zero Trust Architecture is a strategic imperative," said Niccolo de Masi, Chairman and CEO of IonQ.

Paul Lopata, Chief Quantum Scientist at ARLIS, stated the organization is "hopeful that the results of this work will eventually be deployed into commercial systems for industry and government users to use with confidence."

This partnership builds on IonQ's existing federal contracts with ARLIS, DARPA, and the U.S. Air Force Research Lab. The collaboration represents part of the company's quantum platform development efforts across computing, networking, sensing, and security applications.

ARLIS operates as a University Affiliated Research Center at the University of Maryland, focusing on quantum information science and its national security applications.