JPMorgan Chase has established a high-speed quantum-secured crypto-agile network (Q-CAN), connecting two data centers and a third quantum node for testing next-gen quantum technologies. The network uses quantum key distribution (QKD) to secure multiple independent, high-speed virtual private networks (VPNs). Lori Beer, Global Chief Information Officer at JPMorgan Chase, highlighted the potential of this network to offer novel security features beyond secure key exchange. The network builds on previous QKD work by JPMorgan Chase, Toshiba, and Ciena. The development is significant for information security in the quantum era.
Quantum-Secured Network: A Leap in Cybersecurity
JPMorgan Chase has successfully implemented a quantum-secured crypto-agile network (Q-CAN), a high-speed network that connects two data centers over deployed fibers. This network is a significant step forward in the field of quantum security, as it uses quantum key distribution (QKD) to secure multiple independent, high-speed virtual private networks (VPNs) traversing a single 100 Gbps fiber connecting the data centers.
The Q-CAN is a testament to the bank’s commitment to quantum security as quantum technologies mature. The network is part of a dual remediation strategy that incorporates both post-quantum cryptography and QKD. The deployment of this high-speed quantum-secured crypto-agile network could enable novel security features beyond secure key exchange.
Quantum Key Distribution: The Future of Secure Networks
Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) technology is a promising solution for a quantum-safe infrastructure. It exploits the laws of quantum mechanics to distribute secret symmetric keys between authenticated users embedded in an untrusted optical network. These secret keys can be used for data encryption, which protects sensitive information against unauthorized parties.
The scale and viability of QKD networks have grown rapidly in recent years, evolving from experimental lab-based test-beds dating back to 2004, to field trials over deployed optical fibers around the world. The Cambridge QKD network is an example of a city-wide metropolitan QKD network operating on deployed fibers already populated with high-bandwidth data traffic enabled using Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexing (DWPM) technology.
Quantum Threats to Cybersecurity
The development of large-scale quantum computers currently poses one of the most significant and large-scale threats to cybersecurity standards, compelling users and practitioners to rethink the way that they protect sensitive infrastructure and information. Large-scale quantum computers, if realized, could lead to the breakage of today’s most prevalent cryptographic standards, such as RSA and Diffie-Hellman.
In response to the threat, the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) advocates an accelerated transition to Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC) to protect critical infrastructure against quantum computers. Despite uncertainties about the ultimate target, organizations must initiate the lengthy shift towards PQC now, employing a phased approach to facilitate migration at each stage of the journey.
Quantum-Safe High-Speed Networks
The integration of QKD with IPsec significantly enhances network security by combining robust encryption with quantum-resistant key exchange, ensuring the confidentiality and integrity of sensitive data with future-proofing against emerging classical and quantum attackers in an evolving threat landscape.
In this work, an operational quantum-safe network achieving 100 Gbps QKD-secured IPsec VPN tunnels over 46 km of deployed telecom fiber with over 45 days of continuous operation is presented. This network is a significant step towards integrating QKD technology further into the high-speed IPsec networks and their underlying infrastructures.
The Future of Quantum-Secured Networks
The successful implementation of a quantum-secured network by JPMorgan Chase is a significant milestone in the field of quantum security. It demonstrates the practical usability of QKD technology and its integration and compatibility with different layers of the Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) model.
As quantum technologies continue to mature, the importance of quantum security in protecting sensitive information and infrastructure cannot be overstated. The development and deployment of quantum-secured networks will play a crucial role in ensuring the confidentiality and integrity of data in the face of emerging classical and quantum threats.
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