Thales has launched Luna 8, its next-generation hardware security module (HSM). This module helps organisations move to post-quantum cryptography while keeping their current security systems intact. The timing is critical. The 2026 Thales Data Threat Report found that 61% of organisations in India see Harvest Now, Decrypt Later attacks as their biggest security risk. Globally, 59% of organisations are already looking at post-quantum cryptography algorithms to prepare for the quantum era.
Luna 8’s function and importance
A hardware security module is a physical device that stores, protects, and manages cryptographic keys. These keys act as digital locks, securing everything from enterprise PKI systems to digital identities, payment transactions, and authentication processes. Unlike software-based key management, an HSM offers tamper-resistant hardware protection. This makes it much harder for attackers to steal keys, even if they access the surrounding system.
Luna 8 improves on this by supporting post-quantum cryptography algorithms along with current encryption standards. This is significant. Once quantum computers reach a certain power level, they could break the RSA and elliptic curve cryptography that protects most enterprise and government systems today. The Harvest Now, Decrypt Later threat model means attackers are already gathering encrypted data, planning to decrypt it once quantum computing advances enough. Organisations that delay upgrading their cryptographic infrastructure until quantum computers are here risk losing sensitive data.
Luna 8 features a custom Thales-designed cryptographic processor that offers much faster cryptographic operations compared to earlier models. It is suitable for both enterprise and hyperscale environments and has an upgradeable architecture. This lets organisations introduce new algorithms and standards without replacing the hardware, helping them keep up with the rapid changes in post-quantum standards that organisations like NIST are still finalising.
Luna 8 is available now as a network appliance and is undergoing independent assessment for FIPS 140-3 Level 3 and EU Common Criteria certification, which are among the strictest security standards in the industry.
Importance for India
India’s National Quantum Mission aims to make the country a leader in quantum technology. This has heightened awareness of post-quantum security risks among both businesses and government sectors. Luna 8 responds to this demand, providing Indian organisations with a tested, high-performance solution for cryptographic flexibility without needing a complete infrastructure change.
Ankur Kanaglekar, Vice President for India at Thales, mentioned that as Indian businesses and government agencies speed up their digital transformation, cryptographic flexibility is becoming a necessity for preparing for the post-quantum era.
