Objective
The foundation of modern cybersecurity lies in the secure boot process, ensuring only trusted and authenticated software runs on a device. By validating code integrity through cryptographic signatures, secure boot upholds the Confidentiality, Integrity, and Availability triad, acting as the first line of defense against tampering, malware, and unauthorized changes.
Currently, secure boot relies on traditional cryptographic algorithms like RSA. However, the advent of quantum computing threatens these systems, as quantum algorithms like Shor’s could break them, necessitating a transition to Post-Quantum Cryptography. The European Union and relevant agencies, such as ANSSI and BSI, advocate for a Post-Quantum/Traditional (PQ/T) hybrid cryptographic model, combining quantum-resistant algorithms with traditional cryptography for added resilience. Implementing quantum-safe secure boot remains challenging due to the performance, scalability, and compliance trade-offs of PQ/T solutions. However, to date there seems no significant progress has been made in this domain.
FORTRESS aims to address these challenges by developing a scalable and efficient hybrid secure boot architecture. It will design a flexible Root of Trust, integrating both traditional and post-quantum algorithms while exploring trade-offs between security, performance, and cost. The project will focus on hardware-software co-design principles, enabling diverse platforms - embedded systems, edge devices, and Critical National Infrastructure - to transition to quantum-resistant architectures seamlessly. Additionally, the project will engage industry stakeholders to align with regulatory and standardization efforts, ensuring practical deployment and maximum impact.
By developing a critical building block for a wide range of applications, FORTRESS will safeguard Europe’s digital infrastructure, fostering resilience and leadership in the post-quantum era.
Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
- natural sciences computer and information sciences software
- natural sciences computer and information sciences computer security malicious software
- natural sciences computer and information sciences computer security cryptography
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Keywords
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
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HORIZON.2.3 - Civil Security for Society
MAIN PROGRAMME
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HORIZON.2.3.3 - Cybersecurity
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Topic(s)
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Funding Scheme
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
HORIZON-RIA - HORIZON Research and Innovation Actions
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Call for proposal
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
(opens in new window) HORIZON-CL3-2024-CS-01
See all projects funded under this callCoordinator
Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.
69123 HEIDELBERG
Germany
The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.