Thales, a global provider of cybersecurity and digital technologies, has launched Luna 8, a next-generation hardware security module designed to help organizations protect cryptographic keys as they prepare for post-quantum cryptography. Available now as a network appliance, Luna 8 combines support for current and post-quantum algorithms with an upgradeable architecture intended to accommodate new cryptographic standards and security requirements as they emerge. 

Hardware security modules provide a protected environment for generating, storing and using the cryptographic keys that secure applications, transactions and digital identities. These keys underpin enterprise services including public key infrastructure, certificate management, authentication and digital signing. By performing sensitive cryptographic operations within tamper-resistant hardware, an HSM limits the exposure of key material to applications and general-purpose computing environments.

AI + Quantum Tech Monthly image of the Thales Luna 8 network hardware security module for current and post-quantum cryptographic key protection.

The Thales Luna 8 hardware security module supports current and post-quantum algorithms, giving organizations an upgradeable platform for protecting cryptographic keys as security standards evolve. Image courtesy of Thales. © Thales.

Concern about the long-term security of encrypted information is accelerating organizational preparations for post-quantum cryptography. A harvest-now, decrypt-later attack involves collecting encrypted information today with the expectation that a sufficiently capable quantum computer could decrypt it in the future. The 2026 Thales Data Threat Report, based on a global survey of 3,120 security and IT-management professionals, found that 61% identified this as their leading quantum-related concern. Another 59% reported that their organizations were prototyping and evaluating post-quantum cryptographic algorithms.

Luna 8 is powered by a cryptographic processor designed by Thales and supports both current and post-quantum algorithms. Its cryptographic agility is intended to give organizations a path for introducing new algorithms and standards without immediately replacing the underlying hardware platform, allowing existing applications to remain in use as post-quantum migration programs advance.

“The risks that quantum computing poses to encryption standards are unprecedented,” said Todd Moore, VP of Data Security Products at Thales. “Enterprises need to build post-quantum readiness through cryptographic agility. Powered by our custom-designed cryptographic processor, Luna 8 delivers high-performance support for both current and post-quantum algorithms, while helping customers maintain control over security.”

Thales identifies emerging quantum threats, expanding AI workloads and evolving regulatory requirements as converging pressures on enterprise cryptographic infrastructure. The company designed Luna 8 to scale from enterprise installations to hyperscale environments and to support several cryptographic applications on a unified hardware appliance. Thales describes the new processor as providing significantly faster cryptographic operations, although comparative benchmark data was not included in the announcement.

“The new quantum-safe HSM from Thales enables us to support multiple secure environments while simplifying operations and making more efficient use of our infrastructure,” said Jack Zhou, CIO at HKVAX. “The flexibility to support multiple use cases, applications and business needs over time helps us maximize hardware investments. The combination of predictable performance and high availability gives our IT and security teams the assurance they need to operate efficiently to deliver consistent service to our stakeholders.”

Existing Luna customers can migrate to the new platform using the same supporting equipment and interfaces without making changes to current applications. The upgradeable architecture is designed to accommodate additional algorithms, standards and capabilities over time. Future releases are also expected to support payShield 11K, extending the common hardware platform to payment HSM applications that protect transactions, personal identification numbers and sensitive cryptographic keys used by banks and payment providers.

“Integration, automation and scalability are increasingly important considerations for organizations modernizing their cryptographic infrastructure,” said Michela Menting, Vice President, Research, at ABI Research. “Luna 8 combines support for post-quantum cryptography with the flexibility organizations need to adapt as security requirements constantly evolve.”

Luna 8 is the first next-generation HSM introduced on the new Thales HSM platform. The network appliance is commercially available and is undergoing independent assessment against FIPS 140-3 Level 3 and EU Common Criteria. Those assessments remain in progress, and Luna 8 should not yet be described as certified under either standard.

About Thales

Thales develops technologies for the defense, aerospace, cybersecurity and digital markets. Its research and development activities include artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, quantum technologies and cloud computing, with products and services supporting critical infrastructure, government agencies and commercial organizations. Headquartered in France, Thales employs more than 85,000 people across 65 countries. The company reported 2025 sales of €22.1 billion and annual research and development investment of approximately €4.5 billion. For more information, please click here. 

Source/Photo Credit: Thales

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Molly Bakewell Chamberlin
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