Korea Telecom (KT), a leading South Korean telecommunications provider, and HEQA Security, a specialist in quantum key distribution (QKD) technologies, have initiated a collaboration to enhance KT’s secure communication infrastructure. The partnership focuses on deploying HEQA’s QKD systems – including the Sceptre Link and Sceptre Duo – within KT’s carrier-grade networks to provide resilience against future cyber threats posed by advancements in quantum computing. This work will be demonstrated at Quantum Korea 2025, and supported by HEQA’s South Korean partners, Hanwool Material Science and JinInfra, with the aim of integrating scalable, quantum-safe encryption into real-world telecommunications applications.
Korea Telecom (KT) and HEQA Security collaborate to integrate Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) technologies into KT’s communication infrastructure, addressing the emerging threat posed by advances in quantum computing which could compromise current encryption methods. This partnership prioritises interoperability, enabling seamless deployment within KT’s existing network and establishing a foundation for future quantum-safe communication. The potential for data breaches and cyberattacks is increasing, making proactive investment in quantum-safe technologies a prudent risk management strategy and safeguarding critical assets. Training programs and collaborative research initiatives are essential for building expertise in deploying and maintaining QKD infrastructure, ensuring the long-term sustainability of quantum-safe communication networks.
HEQA Security maintains a local presence in South Korea, supported by partnerships with Hanwool Material Science and JinInfra, to ensure effective deployment and ongoing technical support for KT and its affiliates. Local partnerships with Hanwool Material Science and JinInfra provide KT with dedicated support for deployment and ongoing maintenance, ensuring a robust and resilient quantum-safe communication network capable of withstanding evolving cyber threats. This regional expertise is essential for addressing specific network requirements and ensuring the long-term viability of the QKD infrastructure. The collaboration between KT and HEQA Security extends beyond technological integration to encompass knowledge sharing and workforce development, recognising the importance of a skilled workforce.
HEQA Security’s Sceptre Link and Sceptre Duo systems address the necessity of scalability within existing telecommunications networks, supporting flexible network configurations crucial for integration into carrier-grade infrastructure. These systems facilitate a phased implementation, minimising disruption to ongoing services while simultaneously enhancing security protocols and bolstering overall network resilience. Integrating QKD systems into existing telecommunications infrastructure requires careful consideration of network topology and signal attenuation, and HEQA Security’s approach utilises flexible network configurations within the Sceptre systems to allow deployment across diverse network architectures.
The Sceptre systems utilise quantum random number generation, enhancing the unpredictability of encryption keys and mitigating vulnerabilities present in pseudo-random number generators used in classical cryptography. Secure key management protocols further reinforce the security of the communication channel, ensuring the confidentiality and integrity of transmitted data. Beyond secure key exchange, the implementation of QKD necessitates robust authentication protocols to prevent man-in-the-middle attacks, and the Sceptre systems incorporate classical cryptographic authentication alongside quantum key distribution, providing a layered security approach.
The scalability of QKD networks is intrinsically linked to the development of quantum repeaters, and while current QKD systems are limited by transmission distance, ongoing research aims to extend the range of secure communication by amplifying and regenerating quantum signals. This adaptability is crucial for accommodating the physical limitations of quantum signal transmission, where fibre optic cable length and signal loss present practical challenges. The partnership between KT and HEQA Security positions both entities to leverage advancements in quantum repeater technology as they become commercially viable, ensuring continued innovation and enhanced network capabilities.
The economic implications of deploying QKD infrastructure are noteworthy, and while the initial investment may be substantial, the long-term benefits of enhanced security and data protection can outweigh the costs. The potential for data breaches and cyberattacks is increasing, making proactive investment in quantum-safe technologies a prudent risk management strategy and safeguarding critical assets. Training programs and collaborative research initiatives are essential for building expertise in deploying and maintaining QKD infrastructure, ensuring the long-term sustainability of quantum-safe communication networks.
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