Quantum technology is an innovation with countless applications. Quantum computers, for example, do not use the binary bit of classical digital computing, but operate with qubits and principles of quantum mechanics. Quantum devices are capable of solving mathematical problems that are impractical for conventional computers, which is triggering a technological revolution.
Advances in quantum computing are experiencing unprecedented acceleration thanks to major investments by both nations and private companies. These new systems can improve blockchain security, increase the efficiency of fraud detection systems or drastically reduce the execution time of certain algorithms.
Quantum computing applications have the potential to save lives when applied in the field of medical instruments and to transform the materials industry overnight when used in the design of new materials.
Advances in quantum technology will bring great solutions to society. The technological challenge is enormous, but the potential impact of this new technology is even greater. It is no wonder that the development of quantum technology is included in the national strategic plans of many countries. Quantum technology is the future.
What is the quantum challenge of network security?
Since the discovery of Shor’s quantum algorithm in 1994, it has been known that Internet security must be redesigned to adapt to the new quantum era.
Since 2016, the NIST (National Institute of Standards and Technology) body has already been working to select new encryption algorithms capable of providing the same level of security we enjoy today. The work is expected to be completed by the end of 2024 with the publication of a new encryption standard.
Once the NIST post-quantum encryption algorithm selection phase is completed, implementation of the new standard across all Internet applications would begin. The challenge is unprecedented due to the large number of applications and devices that exist.
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Once again, Telefónica wants to face this challenge ahead of time. The goal is to help our customers in this critical transition phase.
Quantum-Safe Technology: the new project of Telefónica, IDEMIA and Quside
We have formed a new alliance between Telefónica, IDEMIA and Quside to bring new quantum security to IoT (Internet of Things) devices. Quantum-Safe Technology is the project we are developing to enable IoT devices to use the new post-quantum encrypted algorithms.
It is a pioneering initiative that addresses one of the applications most exposed to the current quantum challenge, that of connected IoT devices. These are pervasive in our environment and many of them control critical infrastructures of today’s society. By their nature, these devices are physically accessible and therefore more exposed to potential attacks. Finally, there are millions and millions of devices and controlling them is a titanic task, almost impossible.
The solution we are working on at Telefónica combines NIST’s new post-quantum standard with random numbers generated by Quside‘s quantum technology.
The result is that it not only changes the way information is encrypted, but also the random seed that is needed for these new mechanisms. And we do this directly in the IDEMIA connectivity SIM,
offering an even higher level of security due to the impossibility of manipulation of the SIMs.
By being embedded in the SIMs, it allows to facilitate the implementation of new post-quantum algorithms because it requires minimal changes to the IoT devices. In addition, Telefónica’s customers can update encryption algorithms centrally without touching the devices.
These innovative solutions in emerging technologies such as quantum computing consolidate Telefónica as the benchmark IoT connectivity provider.
