On February 9, 2026, in Hanoi, the Government Cipher Committee (GCC), in collaboration with the Vietnam Institute for Advanced Study in Mathematics (VIASM), hosted a workshop introducing the post-quantum digital signature algorithm VN-PQSign and officially launching the Joint Advanced Cryptography Research Lab. This initiative concretizes Resolution 57-NQ/TW and establishes a tripartite collaboration model among government authorities, academia, and technology enterprises, with the participation of MK Group.

At the event, the Government Cipher Committee unveiled VN-PQSign for the first time - A post-quantum digital signature algorithm developed by Vietnamese scientists. Built on hash-based cryptographic foundations, the algorithm prioritizes security resilience against the unprecedented computational power of quantum computers. The launch of the Joint Advanced Cryptography Lab marks a significant milestone in bridging advanced mathematical research with practical requirements for protecting national digital infrastructure.

According to the Government Cipher Committee, plans are ready to upgrade and transition existing security systems to post-quantum standards for Party and State agencies as well as critical socio-economic sectors. This demonstrates the leading role of the national cryptographic authority in mastering core technologies rather than relying on external standards and solutions.
 

During the event, MK Group announced that its smart card operating system, MK Lotus GovID, has achieved the internationally recognized Common Criteria (CC) EAL5+ certification under decision BOE-A-2026-1037, one of the most rigorous security assurance levels worldwide. Through the Common Criteria Recognition Arrangement (CCRA), this certification is recognized in more than 30 countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, and Japan, enabling “Make in Vietnam” technology to directly access the global digital government market.

Lotus GovID demonstrates end-to-end technological mastery - from cryptographic algorithms and the operating system (Lotus OS) to high-level international security certification, contributing to the sovereignty of Vietnam’s national identity infrastructure and effectively supporting Project 06.

In his remarks at the workshop, Mr. Nguyen Trong Khang emphasized that in the era of quantum computing, technological self-reliance in cryptography is not merely a technical requirement but a national strategic imperative. The establishment of the Advanced Cryptography Research Lab and the development of post-quantum algorithms such as VN-PQSign will transform advanced mathematical knowledge into a “shield” safeguarding national digital infrastructure.

He further noted that achieving Common Criteria EAL5+ certification for MK Lotus GovID clearly demonstrates that security solutions developed by Vietnamese enterprises can meet the highest international standards. This milestone not only represents an achievement for MK Group but also affirms the substantive capabilities of Vietnam’s technology sector - from core algorithm development to globally recognized evaluation standards, laying the foundation for confident participation in the international cybersecurity market.

The collaboration among the Government Cipher Committee, VIASM, and MK Group stands as a testament to Vietnam’s systematic and independent approach to building competitive cryptographic capabilities. Amid escalating global cybersecurity challenges, cryptographic sovereignty remains the cornerstone for protecting national digital trust and advancing Vietnamese technology onto the global stage.