As connected devices become part of telecommunications networks, industrial systems, and other digital infrastructure, security increasingly begins at the hardware level. ICTK focuses on this layer through physically unclonable function (PUF) technology, which creates a unique identity for each semiconductor from physical characteristics formed during chip manufacturing. The company also integrates PUF with post-quantum cryptography (PQC) as it works on security technologies designed for the quantum era.

ICTK was established in 2001 as a smart card certification testing institute and later expanded into hardware security and semiconductor technologies. The company was listed on KOSDAQ in 2024 and established a U.S. branch the same year. Today, its portfolio includes security IP, security chips, security modules and security solutions, with PUF-based Root of Trust technology forming an important part of the business.

Giving Each Chip a Unique Identity

PUF technology uses naturally occurring physical variations in semiconductor manufacturing to create a unique identifier. ICTK’s VIA PUF™ technology assigns an unclonable ID to each semiconductor chip, with the resulting key generated directly within the chip rather than stored externally. This design reduces the risks associated with key leakage, forgery and duplication.

The technology is used as the basis for a hardware Root of Trust, establishing a trusted starting point for security functions within a device. ICTK says its PUF technology was included in the ISO/IEC 20897 standard, while the Global Semiconductor Alliance has recognized the company in connection with PUF-based Root of Trust technology.

Security Across Connected Systems

ICTK applies its security technology to connected devices, telecommunications and other systems that require authentication. The company has worked with telecommunications companies on PUF-based security applications and says it supplied its PUF-VPN technology to LG U+. It has also worked on security chips for IoT accessories and authentication, eSIM-related applications and security management for communication equipment.

The company’s hardware security technology also extends to industrial applications. ICTK says industrial robots from a leading South Korean robotics company require a PUF USB containing its authentication and firmware protection module to operate. The company has also worked with global technology companies on security-chip supply and has pursued partnerships involving secure connectivity.

Security Built into the Chip

ICTK also offers Security IP that allows manufacturers to integrate PUF-based security directly into semiconductor designs. Its vPUF technology is provided as customizable Soft IP in RTL form, allowing integration into different chip designs without additional manufacturing process steps. ICTK states that the technology meets the six PUF implementation requirements under ISO/IEC 20897.

The vPUF Basic and Elite versions provide functions such as secure key storage, private-key generation, device identification and anti-tampering protection. Keys generated through VIA PUF™ are created inside the chip rather than injected or stored externally. ICTK also offers cryptographic algorithm IP covering AES, ECC and HMAC for applications including data storage, network communication, authentication and data integrity.

Bringing PUF Into Post-Quantum Security

Quantum computing presents a future challenge for cryptographic systems that rely on mathematical problems that could become easier for sufficiently powerful quantum computers to solve. ICTK has responded by pairing PUF with post-quantum cryptography in its QPUF chip technology.

QPUF brings hardware-based device identity together with cryptographic methods designed for post-quantum threats. ICTK says the technology can be applied to authentication ranging from device-to-device interactions to secure communications. The company is also working with telecommunications operators on quantum-safe communication initiatives.

ICTK describes its quantum-security architecture around a “Quantum-Resilient Chain of Trust,” linking PUF silicon IP, hardware Root of Trust technology and post-quantum cryptography. The concept starts with hardware-level identity and extends through authentication and communications security. ICTK’s quantum-security portfolio includes security chips and modules designed for applications across connected devices, enterprise systems and other digital infrastructure.

The company also incorporates post-quantum cryptography into its hardware security architecture, with technologies designed to protect cryptographic keys and device identities against future quantum threats. ICTK’s QPUF technology brings PUF and PQC together, while its security portfolio includes hardware and software components for authentication, secure communications and cryptographic protection.

Quantum-Secure Security for the Next Era

ICTK has also expanded its work in quantum-safe hardware security through partnerships. In 2025, the company announced a collaboration with BTQ involving a $15 million quantum-secure chip development and joint investment agreement. The companies said they would work on post-quantum security for next-generation secure-element platforms, along with manufacturing, testing and international standardization.

ICTK also offers a PQC key management system that links post-quantum cryptography with PUF-based hardware security modules. The company describes applications spanning enterprise key management, cloud key management, IoT and blockchain. Its PQC certificate authority service connects post-quantum certificate management with a PUF-based Hardware Root of Trust.

ABOUT | JUSTIN J. LEE

Justin J. Lee is the CEO at ICTK. His previous roles include vice president at BV ICTK, CEO of MDSG, director at HoSeo Venture Capital, and adjunct professor at HoSeo University. He also co-founded B Square Lab and holds a bachelor’s degree in social science from Harvard University.

Lee leads ICTK as the company works across PUF-based security, Security IP, security chips, security modules, and security solutions. The company has also expanded its PUF technology into quantum-security applications, including QPUF and its Hardware Root of Trust architecture.