WISeKey International Holding AG (WISeKey), a cybersecurity company, provides integrated security solutions worldwide. The company integrates its secure semiconductors, cybersecurity software, and a globally recognized Root of Trust (RoT) into leading-edge products and services that protect users, devices, data and transactions in the connected world.
WISeKey’s global semiconductor business is run through its subsidiary, SEALSQ Corp (SEALSQ). SEALSQ stands at the intersection of physical and cy...
WISeKey International Holding AG (WISeKey), a cybersecurity company, provides integrated security solutions worldwide. The company integrates its secure semiconductors, cybersecurity software, and a globally recognized Root of Trust (RoT) into leading-edge products and services that protect users, devices, data and transactions in the connected world.
WISeKey’s global semiconductor business is run through its subsidiary, SEALSQ Corp (SEALSQ). SEALSQ stands at the intersection of physical and cyber trust, offering unparalleled assurance in an increasingly interconnected world. At the heart of its offerings is the innovative integration of Cybersecurity, Semiconductors and Post-Quantum Internet of Things (IoT.) It is transforming technology, utilizing IoT-generated data, protected and authenticated by the company’s innovative technology, to enable operational enhancements.
SEALSQ uses a unique method to secure semiconductors designed by the company through cutting-edge authentication processes, combined with post-quantum technology and third-party identity blockchains, to ensure the authenticity of the original IoT.
SEALSQ uses a patented method to digitally certify the authenticity of a physical object of value. The method includes a storage device, a digital certificate of authenticity (encrypted information reflecting at least one characteristic unique to the physical object, checking, whenever required, the validity of the digital certificate of authenticity by use of a network computer), the network computer cooperating with the storage device and a validating or a certifying authority.
With a rich portfolio of 39 patent families, covering over 106 fundamental individual patents, and another 12 patents under review, SEALSQ continues to expand its platform use in various domains. SEALSQ semiconductors secure millions of objects: Luxury products, high-end watches, routers, gateways, utilities meters, drones, authentication dongles, storage memory USB sticks, medical devices, connected door-locks, and electronic consumers devices, among others. These semiconductors include Digital Identification technology, such as Keys, Certificates or NFTs, that secures, authenticates, and proves ownership of digital and tangible assets.
SEALSQ’s semiconductors, when placed on an object, can securely link the object to non-fungible tokens (NFTs), enabling authentication and tracking of the object.
The Secure Element service that SEALSQ provides enables SEALSQ’s customers to create and maintain a secure link between an object and its non-fungible token (NFT) (issued by a SEALSQ customer that purchases SEALSQ semiconductors) that is stored in a blockchain.
SEALSQ’s technology enables systems and methods for establishing the long-term authenticity of NFTs minted on a public blockchain by linking the NFT to its associated object (which itself may be physical, digital, tangible or intangible), the minter of the NFT, the nature of the association of the NFT minter to the associated physical object, and the possessor and/or originator of the object. In particular, SEALSQ’s technology enables the embodiment of this information that constitutes the linkage between the NFT and the associated digital object, physical object, or intangible object (e.g., intellectual property assets, contracts, or other intangible assets), and consequently allows for authentication of the NFT and its related object in a variety of scenarios.
SEALSQ's Growth Strategies
SEALSSQ is at the forefront of developing a new generation of Secure Elements, incorporating cutting-edge technologies to minimize footprint. This includes advanced Flash memory for greater customization and a new generation of Crypto Processors capable of running Post-Quantum algorithms endorsed by NIST. These innovations are aimed at creating new opportunities in upgrade markets across various sectors and pioneering applications. The key elements of the cmpany’s strategy are to global customer base expansion; leverage partnerships; and expand within existing customer networks.
In summary, the business strategy at SEALSQ is dynamic and adaptable, focused on innovative product development, expanding its global reach, leveraging strategic partnerships, and deepening its engagement with existing clients.
Product Updates
New Secure Elements
SEALSQ put to market two new Secure Elements in Q3 and Q4 2023:
The VaultIC292, a new secure element specifically designed for IoT devices and sensors.
The core of the value proposition is that this Secure Element can be pre-provisioned from factory or over-the-air, at wafer level or on package, with private keys and X509 certificates compliant with protocols, such as MATTER, Wi-SUN or OPC for seamless authentication as well as commissioning with Microsoft AZURE or AWS Clouds.
On the Hardware side theVaultIC292 is built on a proven proprietary CCEAL4+ level Tamper Resistant platform that has been long used to secure many sensitive applications like National ID cards, e-Passports, Banking, Pay TV Access Control cards and IoT.
The VaultIC408, a new Secure Element specifically designed to enhance the security and protect user’s data in highly sensitive IoT applications like Smart Meters, Electric Vehicle Chargers, Medical Devices and Industrial IoT components.
The key aspect of the product value proposition is its certification level as the chip offers a tamper resistant CCEAL5+ certified hardware platform, running a FIPS 140.3 certified firmware, and offering off-the-shelf compliance with one of NIST’s most rigorous cryptographic standards.
Certificate and Key Management SaaS platform INeS
SEALSQ also made significant product developments on the side of its Certificate and Key Management SaaS platform INeS
Product Attestation Authority
At the end of 2022, the WISeKey group’s Root-of-Trust was accredited as a Product Attestation Authority by the Connectivity Standards Alliance defining the Matter smart home standard. SEALSQ has made the necessary integration so that INeS has become able to issue and manage Device Attestation Certificates (DAC) that can be used directly by OEMs or pre-loaded into the VaultIC292/408 chips to enable immediate compliance of the device with the latest Matter 1.2 protocol.
Zero-Touch provisioning Solution
Manual provisioning of IoT devices today requires scheduling an appointment at the customer location for a field technician to manually set up the IoT devices.
Zero Touch provisioning (ZTP) is an automatic and secure way to onboard devices in any IoT cloud platform that uses X.509 authentication technology. It supports X. 509 standard as the format of public-key certificates and so any platform supporting it, is compatible with this service. Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure are some example platforms fully supported by ZTP.
Trust Services
SEALSQ has improved its Trust Services portfolio with the launch in Q4 2023 of a cutting-edge semiconductor personalization on-package service available for the whole VaultIC range.
he core of SEALSQ’s value proposition is to be a vertically integrated security offering. It means that in practice that its secure element range can be personalized by pre-loading private keys and certificates compliant with protocols, such as MATTER, Wi-SUN or OPC for seamless authentication, as well as commissioning with Microsoft AZURE or AWS Clouds.
Chip personalization is traditionally performed in the semiconductor industry at an early stage of the production process (called personalization on wafer), resulting in high minimum order volumes and long lead-times (often over 6 months) for personalized chips orders.
SEALSQ is able to offer its clients the option to personalize off-the-shelf secure elements from its VaultIC range with certificates and keys and deliver the pre-loaded chips in less than 4 weeks packed in reels from 1,000 to 20,000 units.
QUASARS Program Update
In 2022, SEALSQ announced the kick-off of the QUASARS (QUAntum resistant Secure ARchitectureS) project, its next generation of secure microcontrollers built on its new Secure RISC-V CPU. In December 2023, the development reached a critical step, with the delivery of an FPGA (an emulator chip).
SEALSQ’s new secure microcontroller design is expected to be completed in Q2 2024, and the first engineering samples are expected in Q4 2024.
This project marks a significant leap into the Post-Quantum Cryptography era, as it will implement a hybrid solution (i.e., combining traditional cryptographic algorithms, such as ECC and RSA, as well as Post-Quantum algorithms) that aligns with the recommendations of France's National Cybersecurity Agency (ANSSI). The French SCS Cluster's endorsement of the company’s QUASARS project further underscores SEALSQ’s leading role in semiconductor innovation.
This post-quantum cryptography toolbox will help to protect against the security threat posed by quantum computers, allowing hybrid solutions by no later than 2025 as recommended by the French ANSSI. In addition to this, SEALSQ plans to upgrade its PKI offer, adding new post-quantum features for the IoT market: Secure authentication, Brand protection, Network communications, future FIDO (Fast Identity Online) evolutions and additional generally web-connected smart devices that obtain, analyze, and process the data collected from their surroundings. SEALSQ is executing this project under the name QUASAR.
Satellite Vertical
WISeSat.Space SA, is a wholly-owned subsidiary of WISeKeythat aims to offer satellite IoT connectivity available anywhere on earth. WISeSat.Space operates in collaboration with Fossa Systems for the production and launch of a constellation of picosatellites referred to as WISeSat satellites. This venture, enhanced through partnership with SEALSQ, aims to address pressing security concerns in satellite communication.
The use of WISeSat.Space operations employing Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites presents a transformative potential across a wide range of sectors beyond the initial applications in smart farming, energy, logistics, and the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT). By leveraging the lower latency and the potential for higher-speed Internet connections provided by WISeSat LEO satellites, as compared to geostationary (GEO) satellites, numerous sectors stand to benefit significantly.
WISe.ART Vertical
WISe.ART is a proprietary comprehensive multi-blockchain secured digital ecosystem designed to connect multiple participants in the fine arts and luxury industry. Key features of WISe.ART:
Digital Certificates of Ownership: WISe.ART introduces a unique digital certificate in the form of a non-fungible token (NFT). These NFTs live on a blockchain, unchanged and unchallengeable, serving as proof of a person’s ownership of a specific piece of art.
Authenticated and Signed Digital Assets: WISe.ART ensures that each digital asset is authenticated and signed, creating an irreversible link from the digital asset (the NFT) to the physical object. This process enables digital proof of ownership, provenance, and contracts enabling future use in monetization streams.
White-Labeling Options: WISe.ART offers white-labeling options, allowing artists and creators to customize their NFTs and create a unique brand identity.
Linking Digital Assets to Physical Objects: The NFTs not only represent the digital asset but also link it irreversibly to a physical object, enhancing transparency and trust in the art market.
WISe.ART
WISe.ART is accessible to a diverse audience within the arts and luxury industry. Here are some key groups of people who can benefit from using WISe.ART:
Artists and Creators: WISe.ART provides a platform for artists and creators to showcase their work, create digital certificates of authenticity (NFTs), and link their digital assets to physical objects. Artists can leverage this technology to protect their intellectual property and establish provenance.
Collectors and Buyers: Art collectors and buyers can use WISe.ART to verify the authenticity of artworks they acquire. The NFTs serve as irrefutable proof of ownership and provenance and can enhance the value of their collections.
Galleries and Museums: Institutions in the art world can collaborate with WISe.ART to digitize their collections, create NFTs for artworks, and ensure transparency in transactions. This technology can revolutionize how galleries and museums manage and display art.
Auction Houses and Dealers: Auction houses and dealers can integrate WISe.ART into their processes to authenticate and track artworks. The secure NFTs provide confidence to both sellers and buyers during auctions and sales.
Art Enthusiasts and Curators: Anyone passionate about art can explore WISe.ART’s ecosystem, discover new artists, and engage with the art community. Curators can curate digital exhibitions and promote emerging talents.
Blockchain and Technology Experts: WISe.ART’s use of blockchain technology appeals to experts in the field. They can use it as a secured tool and contribute to its development, security, and scalability.
In 2023, WISe.ART reached new heights with new partnerships and several major charity events, doubling its community of participating artists from around the world with over 2000 works uploaded on the platform 50% of which are digital artworks with an even balance of phygital packages (blending digital and physical experiences) averaging a total value of artwork over USD 30 million.
Featuring over 2000 artworks by over 150 artists
WISe.ART features over 2000 artworks by over 150 artists worldwide ranging from traditional art, video art to 3 dimensional AI productions.
Development of the WISe.ART phase 3.0n with Hedera and Google Tokenization
The company intends to develop this feature as well as enhance the performance of the platform with the assistance and financial support of Google and their respective partners. The WISe.ART tech team have identified the workload and the launch is planned for Q3 and Q4 of 2024.
Partnerships with private foundations – GMArtification – Digital Renaissance
WiseArt, in collaboration with prestigious artists, collectors, museums, and galleries, is excited to introduce the ‘Italy Digital Renaissance Project.’ From 2024 to the 2025 Jubilee year, WISe.ART collaborating partners endeavor to digitize the historical heritage of Italian Renaissance art using ultra-high-quality images and digital enhancements. This project represents a pivotal moment in ushering Italian art heritage into the digital age, making it accessible to a global audience.
Trust Services Vertical
The ocmpany’s Trust Services Vertical consists of a full range of managed cloud services to enable trusted and verified digital identities for people, applications and objects. Highlights in 2023 include:
Optimization of the Unified Trust Center: WISeKey keeps evolving and improving the company’s High Security Trust Center, which serves as the foundation to deliver trust services both internally, to serve the needs of SEALSQ (PKI for IoT) and other initiatives of WISeKey SA and externally, to serve its customers.
Increase of the Managed PKI Customer Base and Revenues: WISeKey has significantly increased the business related to Transport Layer Security (TLS, a widely adopted security protocol designed to facilitate privacy and data security for communications over the internet) and Personal Digital Certificates, with higher footprint in regions, such as APAC, thanks to key channel agreement.
Improvement of the WISeID platform For Personal Digital Identity. WISeID is recognized as a fully-fledged solution for personal identity, and has been adopted by the Government of Seychelles as its National ID platform. WISeID has been enriched with new features, such as Document Signing, and is evolving to add Web 3.0 capabilities, such as Distributed Identity.
Research and Development
WISeKey's research and development spending totalled USD 4.4 million in the year ended December 31, 2023.
History
WISeKey International Holding AG was founded in 1999. The company was incorporated in 2015.
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