Thales Launches Luna 8 Hardware Security Module to Strengthen Cryptographic Security for AI, Post-Quantum Computing and Emerging Digital Threats

Thales Launches Luna 8 Hardware Security Module to Strengthen Cryptographic Security for AI, Post-Quantum Computing and Emerging Digital Threats

(IN BRIEF) Thales has launched Luna 8, a next-generation hardware security module designed to help organisations prepare for post-quantum cryptography while supporting growing AI, cloud and digital-security workloads. Powered by a Thales-designed cryptographic processor, Luna 8 combines high-performance cryptographic processing, tamper-resistant key protection, scalability and an upgradeable architecture capable of supporting both existing and emerging algorithms. According to the 2026 Thales Data Threat Report, 59% of organisations are already prototyping or evaluating post-quantum cryptography as concerns increase around “Harvest Now, Decrypt Later” attacks. Thales says Luna 8 is intended to provide the cryptographic agility needed to move from experimentation toward deployment while protecting existing infrastructure investments. The platform supports enterprise and hyperscale environments, retains compatible interfaces for existing customers and will support additional applications such as payShield 11K in a future release. Luna 8 is available initially as a network appliance and is undergoing independent assessment against security standards including FIPS 140-3 Level 3 and EU Common Criteria.

(PRESS RELEASE) LA DÉFENSE, 14-Sep-2026 — /EuropaWire/ — Thales has launched Luna 8, a new generation of hardware security module designed to help organisations protect sensitive data, applications and digital identities as artificial intelligence workloads expand and preparations accelerate for the transition to post-quantum cryptography.

The new HSM is powered by a cryptographic processor designed by Thales and has been developed to combine high-performance cryptographic operations with scalability, tamper-resistant protection and the flexibility required to adopt new algorithms and security standards over time.

Thales said Luna 8 is intended to help organisations move from post-quantum cryptography planning and experimentation toward operational deployment while protecting existing cryptographic investments.

The launch comes as organisations become increasingly concerned about the future impact of quantum computing on current encryption methods. According to the 2026 Thales Data Threat Report, the threat of so-called “Harvest Now, Decrypt Later” attacks was the most frequently cited quantum-related risk, while 59% of organisations said they were prototyping and evaluating post-quantum cryptography algorithms in preparation for the quantum era.

In Harvest Now, Decrypt Later scenarios, encrypted information could potentially be collected today and stored until sufficiently capable quantum computers become available to attack encryption methods that are currently considered secure. This creates particular concern for information that needs to remain confidential for many years.

Thales positions Luna 8 as a platform for cryptographic agility, enabling organisations to maintain support for existing algorithms while introducing post-quantum cryptographic methods as technologies, standards and regulatory requirements evolve.

Todd Moore, Vice President of Data Security Products at Thales, said the potential impact of quantum computing on existing encryption standards creates an unprecedented security challenge for enterprises.

He said organisations need the ability to adapt their cryptographic infrastructure as standards change, adding that Luna 8’s custom-designed processor provides high-performance support for both established and post-quantum algorithms while allowing customers to retain control of their security architecture.

Beyond quantum readiness, the platform is designed to address growing cryptographic workloads generated by artificial intelligence, cloud-scale infrastructure, digital identity systems and increasingly interconnected applications.

Thales said Luna 8 can provide orders-of-magnitude improvements in cryptographic processing performance for demanding applications while scaling from traditional enterprise environments to hyperscale deployments.

Its upgradeable architecture is intended to allow new algorithms, standards and security capabilities to be introduced without requiring organisations to replace the underlying platform each time cryptographic requirements evolve.

For existing Luna customers, Thales has also focused on portability. Luna 8 uses compatible interfaces and ancillary components so customers can migrate without making changes to existing applications, helping organisations protect previous investments and reduce disruption during infrastructure upgrades.

The platform uses a unified hardware appliance architecture that can support multiple security applications and use cases. Thales said support for payShield 11K is planned for a later release, extending the platform’s potential application across additional cryptographic environments.

Jack Zhou, Chief Information Officer at HKVAX, said the new quantum-safe HSM enables the organisation to support multiple secure environments while simplifying operational management and improving utilisation of infrastructure.

He highlighted the platform’s flexibility, predictable performance and high availability as important factors for organisations seeking to support multiple applications and changing business requirements using a common security foundation.

Michela Menting, Vice President, Research at ABI Research, said integration, automation and scalability are becoming increasingly important as organisations modernise their cryptographic infrastructure. She noted that Luna 8 combines support for post-quantum cryptography with an architecture designed to adapt as security requirements change.

Luna 8 is the first next-generation hardware security module based on Thales’ new HSM platform and is available initially as a network appliance.

The system provides tamper-resistant protection for cryptographic keys while supporting scalable cryptographic processing for applications requiring high levels of assurance.

Thales said Luna 8 is currently undergoing independent assessment against demanding security certification frameworks, including FIPS 140-3 Level 3 and EU Common Criteria.

The company is positioning the platform for organisations across industries that rely on cryptographic infrastructure to protect transactions, identities, applications and confidential data, including enterprises operating complex AI and cloud environments.

The introduction of Luna 8 forms part of Thales’ wider cybersecurity strategy around post-quantum cryptography and the migration of digital security systems toward algorithms capable of resisting future quantum-computing attacks.

By combining support for current cryptographic standards with an architecture designed for future algorithms, Thales aims to give organisations a longer-term security foundation that can adapt to changing risks, regulations and computational requirements.

Read more about Thales’ expertise in post-quantum cryptography:

• Why post-quantum cryptography matters for digital identity
• How to safeguard mobile connectivity in a post-quantum world

About Thales

Thales (Euronext Paris: HO) is a global leader in advanced technologies for the Defence, Aerospace, and Cyber & Digital sectors. Its portfolio of innovative products and services helps address several major challenges: sovereignty, security, sustainability and inclusion.

The Group allocates €4.5 billion per year in Research & Development in key areas, particularly for critical environments, such as Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, Quantum and Cloud technologies.

Thales has more than 85,000 employees in 65 countries. In 2025, the Group generated sales of €22.1 billion.

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SOURCE: Thales