CISO Tribune

Vendor comparison · 2 companies

CryptoNext Security vs PQShield

CryptoNext Security sells post-quantum cryptography (PQC) and crypto-agility solutions that protect organizations from the quantum threat. PQShield is a cybersecurity company specialising in post-quantum cryptography. CISO Tribune files both under Post-quantum cryptography and Encryption, tokenization and key management. This page sets the two records side by side: what each sells, where it is based, who owns and funds it, the customers it names and its recent news, each fact numbered to its source.

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  • CryptoNext Security
  • PQShield
CryptoNext Security vs PQShield: Products, Customers and Funding Compared
CryptoNext SecurityCryptoNext Security sells post-quantum cryptography (PQC) and crypto-agility solutions that protect organizations from the quantum threat.cryptonext-security.comPQShieldPQShield is a cybersecurity company specialising in post-quantum cryptography.pqshield.com
What it sells
  • CryptoNext COMPASS[6][7]An open solution designed to discover, inventory, and manage cryptographic assets within complex environments.
  • CryptoNext CAPTAIN[9]Centralizes the management of cryptographic policies within the organization.
  • PQC Pilot Package[10]An evaluation platform designed to measure the real-world impact of post-quantum cryptography.
  • Quantum-Safe Library[5][11]A post-quantum cryptographic library validated by NIST for ML-KEM, ML-DSA, and SLH-DSA.
  • PQMicroLib-Core[1][10]A library designed with flexibility and configurability in mind.
  • PQCryptoLib-Core[1][10]A general-purpose cryptographic library for a wide variety of applications.
  • PQCryptoLib-SDK[1][10]A plug-and-play tool for moving OpenSSL-based applications to quantum resilience.
  • PQPlatform-CoPro[1][10]A cryptographic coprocessor that adds post-quantum capabilities to an existing security subsystem.
  • PQPlatform-TrustSys[1][5][10]A PQC-focused Root-of-Trust security solution.
  • PQPerform-Flare[10]A hardware-based PQC product designed for high throughput and low latency.
  • PQPerform-Inferno[1][10]A scalable hardware solution built on the PQPerform-Flare architecture.
  • PQPerform-Flex[10]PQPerform-Inferno combined with a RISC-V processor as a complete subsystem.
Categories
Headquarters
Paris, France[2]United Kingdom[2][3]
Founded
2019[1][3]Not stated on its pages
Ownership and funding
Privately held[8]Privately held[9]
Named customers
Not stated on its pagesNot stated on its pages
Recent news
Not stated on its pagesNot stated on its pages
G2 and Gartner Peer Insights
  • G2: Not stated on its pages
  • Gartner Peer Insights: Not stated on its pages
  • G2: Not stated on its pages
  • Gartner Peer Insights: Not stated on its pages
Who it fits
Not written yetNot written yet
Last verified
October 23, 2026November 2, 2026

Where they overlap

  • Post-quantum cryptography is the primary category of both CryptoNext Security and PQShield; both are also filed under Encryption, tokenization and key management.
  • Both are privately held.

Where they differ, field by field

  • CryptoNext Security lists CryptoNext COMPASS, CryptoNext CAPTAIN, PQC Pilot Package and Quantum-Safe Library. PQShield lists PQMicroLib-Core, PQCryptoLib-Core, PQCryptoLib-SDK, PQPlatform-CoPro, PQPlatform-TrustSys and 3 more.
  • CryptoNext Security is headquartered in Paris, France. PQShield is headquartered in United Kingdom.
  • CryptoNext Security was founded in 2019.

How they differ

CISO Tribune files both CryptoNext Security and PQShield under Post-quantum cryptography as the primary category, with Encryption, tokenization and key management as a second category. Both companies are privately held. CryptoNext Security is headquartered in Paris, France, and was founded in 2019, while PQShield is headquartered in Oxford, with additional teams in the Netherlands and France. CryptoNext Security completed a funding round totaling €13M with participation from Quantonation, Axa Venture Partners, Auriga Cyber Ventures, and Kensho.

CryptoNext Security sells CryptoNext COMPASS, which discovers, inventories, and manages cryptographic assets and generates Cryptographic Bills of Materials (CBOMs). It also sells CryptoNext CAPTAIN for centralized management of cryptographic policies, a PQC Pilot Package for evaluation, and a Quantum-Safe Library validated by NIST for ML-KEM, ML-DSA, and SLH-DSA. PQShield instead sells libraries and hardware, including PQCryptoLib-Core, PQCryptoLib-SDK for OpenSSL-based applications, the PQPlatform-CoPro cryptographic coprocessor, and the hardware-based PQPerform-Flare. PQShield also sells PQPerform-Inferno, which builds on the PQPerform-Flare architecture, and PQPerform-Flex, which combines PQPerform-Inferno with a RISC-V processor.

CryptoNext Security names deployments in banking, finance, defense, energy, aerospace, and public sectors, including a post-quantum instant messaging system for NATO and an IPsec VPN link between the Banque de France and the Bundesbank. In March 2025, CryptoNext Security received CAVP certification from NIST for all three standardized algorithms. PQShield states that device manufacturers have chosen its PQC IP for hardware security solutions, and it has a reciprocal agreement with Kudelski Security. PQShield has also signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Tata Consultancy Services and partnered with eShard.

What it sells: CryptoNext Security

What CryptoNext COMPASS does[6][7]
CryptoNext COMPASS scans all sources and surfaces every cryptographic asset, including obsolete algorithms and undocumented uses. CryptoNext COMPASS connects each cryptographic asset to the criticality of the data it protects. CryptoNext COMPASS generates Cryptographic Bills of Materials (CBOMs).
What CryptoNext CAPTAIN does[9]
CryptoNext CAPTAIN abstracts cryptographic operations from applications using CAPTAIN Provider technology. CryptoNext CAPTAIN integrates with a wide range of traditional cryptographic providers.
What Quantum-Safe Library does[5][11]
CryptoNext Security describes a hybrid approach combining traditional and post-quantum cryptography that maintains compatibility with current systems. CryptoNext CAPTAIN features native integration of the CryptoNext post-quantum library.

What it sells: PQShield

What PQMicroLib-Core does[1][10]
PQMicroLib-Core is a library designed with flexibility and configurability in mind. A CAVP-Ready version of PQCryptoLib-Core is tailored for embedded systems, small footprint solutions and memory constrained devices.
What PQCryptoLib-Core does[1][10]
PQCryptoLib-Core is a FIPS 140-3 CMVP Certified / CAVP Compliant general-purpose cryptographic library designed for a wide variety of applications. PQCryptoLib-Core is configurable by a secure API.
What PQCryptoLib-SDK does[1][10]
PQCryptoLib-SDK is a plug-and-play tool that helps to transition OpenSSL-based applications to quantum resilience. Software implementations of PQC algorithms are supplied via an OpenSSL provider, including ML-DSA, Falcon, ML-KEM and hybrid PQ/T schemes for TLS.
What PQPerform-Flare does[10]
PQPerform-Flare is a hardware-based FIPS 140-3 CAVP-certified product designed for high throughput and low latency PQC. PQPerform-Flare supports ML-DSA (FIPS 204) and ML-KEM (FIPS 203) and is optimized for TLS.
What PQPerform-Inferno does[1][10]
PQPerform-Inferno is a scalable hardware solution. Building on the architecture of PQPerform-Flare, Inferno integrates multiple instances with load balancing, and can deliver over 1 million key encapsulations per second.

Questions about CryptoNext Security and PQShield

What do CryptoNext Security and PQShield sell?
CryptoNext Security sells CryptoNext COMPASS, CryptoNext CAPTAIN, PQC Pilot Package and Quantum-Safe Library. PQShield sells PQMicroLib-Core, PQCryptoLib-Core, PQCryptoLib-SDK, PQPlatform-CoPro, PQPlatform-TrustSys and 3 more.
Are CryptoNext Security and PQShield in the same category?
Yes. Post-quantum cryptography is the primary category of both on CISO Tribune.
Where are CryptoNext Security and PQShield headquartered?
CryptoNext Security is headquartered in Paris, France. PQShield is headquartered in United Kingdom.
When were CryptoNext Security and PQShield founded?
CryptoNext Security was founded in 2019.
Who owns CryptoNext Security and PQShield?
CryptoNext Security is privately held. PQShield is privately held.

About CryptoNext Security

CryptoNext Security sells post-quantum cryptography (PQC) and crypto-agility solutions that protect organizations from the quantum threat. CryptoNext Security was founded in 2019 after 25+ years of academic research. CryptoNext Security launched as a spin-off from INRIA and the Sorbonne University, led by Jean-Charles Faugère. CryptoNext Security completed a funding round totaling €13M with the joint participation of Quantonation, Axa Venture Partners, Auriga Cyber Ventures, and Kensho. In March 2025, CryptoNext Security received CAVP certification from NIST for all three standardized algorithms.

CryptoNext Security states that cryptography is the cornerstone of digital trust and is already under threat from quantum computers. CryptoNext Security says cryptography is rarely mapped. CryptoNext Security supports organisations at every stage of the migration project, from the initial assessment of the impacts of PQC to the ongoing management of cryptography through a crypto-agile approach. CryptoNext Security tools let organizations set up pilot projects to test the new algorithms against specific use cases covering latency, application compatibility, and critical dependencies.[4][5][11]

CryptoNext COMPASS is an open solution designed to discover, inventory, and manage cryptographic assets within complex environments. CryptoNext COMPASS scans all sources and surfaces every cryptographic asset, including obsolete algorithms and undocumented uses. CryptoNext COMPASS maps the use of cryptography across networks, protocols, and applications, including in IT and OT environments. CryptoNext COMPASS presents cryptographic assets that are typically invisible or undocumented through structured dashboards. CryptoNext COMPASS aggregates and correlates cryptographic data within a single platform. CryptoNext COMPASS connects each cryptographic asset to the criticality of the data it protects. CryptoNext COMPASS maps the dependencies between assets so that the impact of a remediation can be assessed before launching it. CryptoNext COMPASS generates Cryptographic Bills of Materials (CBOMs). CryptoNext COMPASS runs large-scale analysis with AI. CryptoNext COMPASS integrates using customizable connectors. CryptoNext Security launched COMPASS Discovery, a cryptographic discovery platform.[6][7]

CryptoNext CAPTAIN centralizes the management of cryptographic policies within the organization. CryptoNext CAPTAIN abstracts cryptographic operations from applications using CAPTAIN Provider technology. CryptoNext CAPTAIN integrates with a wide range of traditional cryptographic providers. CryptoNext CAPTAIN features native integration of the CryptoNext post-quantum library.[9]

The PQC Pilot Package is an evaluation platform designed to measure the real-world impact of post-quantum cryptography and prepare an organization for an enterprise-wide migration. The PQC Pilot Package measures effects on use cases such as latency, throughput, memory consumption, and operational load. CryptoNext Security has developed a post-quantum plug-in for Outlook that signs and encrypts messages using the Quantum-Safe Library. CryptoNext Security offers the Quantum-Safe Library, validated by NIST for the three standardized algorithms ML-KEM, ML-DSA, and SLH-DSA. CryptoNext Security describes a hybrid approach combining traditional and post-quantum cryptography that maintains compatibility with current systems.[5][10][11]

CryptoNext Security has deployed its post-quantum solutions in the banking, finance, defense, energy, aerospace, and public sectors. CryptoNext Security has worked with banks, defense contractors, and critical infrastructure operators. CryptoNext Security deployed a secure post-quantum instant messaging system for NATO and a post-quantum IPsec VPN link between the Banque de France and the Bundesbank. CryptoNext Security implemented a secure post-quantum email messaging system between the Banque de France and the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS). CryptoNext Security solutions address the requirements of DORA, NIS2, and national security agencies. CryptoNext Security contributes to the work of NIST, the IETF, and MITRE.[9][10][12]

CryptoNext Security on the record

Sources

CryptoNext Security full record

  1. [1]AboutCryptoNext Security · cryptonext-security.com · undated page, accessed October 23, 2026 · Tier A
  2. [2]Cryptonext security raises 11me to reinforce leadership in post quantum cryptographyCryptoNext Security · cryptonext-security.com · published November 30, 2023 · Tier A
  3. [3]About CryptoNext SecurityCryptoNext Security · undated page, accessed November 10, 2026 · Tier A
  4. [4]Switch to post-quantum crypto-agility with CryptoNextCryptoNext Security · undated page, accessed November 10, 2026 · Tier A
  5. [5]Solutions - Use Cases - The PQC Transition - CryptoNext SecurityCryptoNext Security · undated page, accessed November 10, 2026 · Tier A
  6. [6]Solutions - Use Cases - Inventory Your Cryptography - CryptoNext SecurityCryptoNext Security · undated page, accessed November 10, 2026 · Tier A
  7. [7]Products - Cryptographic Inventory and Discovery - CryptoNext SecurityCryptoNext Security · undated page, accessed November 10, 2026 · Tier A
  8. [8]Products - Discovery On Demand - CryptoNext SecurityCryptoNext Security · undated page, accessed November 10, 2026 · Tier A
  9. [9]Solutions - Use Cases - Deploy Crypto-Agility - CryptoNext SecurityCryptoNext Security · undated page, accessed November 10, 2026 · Tier A
  10. [10]Solutions - Use Cases - Test the Impact of PQC - CryptoNext SecurityCryptoNext Security · undated page, accessed November 10, 2026 · Tier A
  11. [11]Products - PQC Evaluation Toolbox - CryptoNext SecurityCryptoNext Security · undated page, accessed November 10, 2026 · Tier A
  12. [12]Solutions - Use Cases - Cryptographic Compliance - CryptoNext SecurityCryptoNext Security · undated page, accessed November 10, 2026 · Tier A

PQShield full record

  1. [1]pqshield.comPQShield · pqshield.com · undated page, accessed September 27, 2026 · Tier A
  2. [2]Pqshield raises 37m in series b funding to deliver the widespread commercial adoption of quantum resistant cryptography 302175607PQShield via PR Newswire · prnewswire.com · published June 20, 2024 · Tier A
  3. [3]PQShield and Kudelski Security Partner to Address Quantum Threat | PQShieldPQShield · published September 29, 2021 · Tier A
  4. [4]Post-quantum Cryptography Experts | Quantum-safe & Quantum-resistant SolutionsPQShield · undated page, accessed October 27, 2026 · Tier A
  5. [5]Post-Quantum Cryptography Solutions | PQShieldPQShield · published April 24, 2025 · Tier A
  6. [6]We are attending, WEF - Annual Meetings of the Global Future Councils and Cybersecurity, 14 Oct | PQShieldPQShield · published October 14, 2025 · Tier A
  7. [7]We are speaking: Security Privacy Identity & Trust (SPIT) SIG event, Cambridge, 28 January 2025 | PQShieldPQShield · published January 28, 2025 · Tier A
  8. [8]We are judging at - Cyber Security Awareness Week Europe, 7-8 November 2024 | PQShieldPQShield · published November 7, 2024 · Tier A
  9. [9]Quantum Security Company: What to Look For | PQShieldPQShield · undated page, accessed November 10, 2026 · Tier A
  10. [10]Quantum-safe & Quantum-resistant Software, Hardware & UpgradesPQShield · undated page, accessed November 10, 2026 · Tier A
  11. [11]PQShield partners with Tata Consultancy Services and eShard to meet commercial demand for protecting organisations against quantum the threat | PQShieldPQShield · undated page, accessed November 10, 2026 · Tier A

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