Quantum-Resistant Cryptography Comes to 5G Networks: SK Telecom and Thales Lead the Way

Quantum-Resistant Cryptography Comes to 5G Networks: SK Telecom and Thales Lead the Way

(IN BRIEF) SK Telecom (SKT) and Thales are partnering to implement Post Quantum Cryptography (PQC) on 5G networks, enhancing user identity and privacy protection. This innovative solution, based on 5G standalone networks and 5G SIM technology, encrypts and decrypts subscriber identities securely, guarding against future quantum threats and “record now, decrypt later” attacks. It upgrades the cryptography used to anonymize user digital identities in 5G networks, providing robust security in the post-quantum era. The collaboration used the Crystals-Kyber post-quantum secure algorithm, endorsed by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). This advancement enhances cybersecurity for 5G networks against potential quantum computer attacks.

(PRESS RELEASE) PARIS, 19-Dec-2023 — /EuropaWire/ —  Thales (EPA: HO), a French multinational company active in the aerospace, defence, transportation and security markets, has joined forces with SK Telecom, the leading mobile operator in South Korea, to deploy Post Quantum Cryptography (PQC) on 5G networks, enhancing protection for user identities and privacy.

In a groundbreaking collaboration, SK Telecom and Thales have successfully tested advanced quantum-resistant cryptography based on 5G standalone network and 5G SIM technology. This solution ensures secure encryption and decryption of subscriber identities, safeguarding user privacy against potential quantum threats. Importantly, it also defends against “record now, decrypt later” attacks, a significant advancement in today’s digital landscape.

The innovation centers on upgrading the cryptography employed to anonymize user digital identities within 5G networks. User identity protection occurs on the device side via 5G SIM, utilizing cryptographic algorithms designed to withstand future quantum computer attacks. This security approach is considered robust in the post-quantum era.

 
The collaboration utilized the Crystals-Kyber post-quantum secure algorithm, which has been developed to withstand attacks from both classical and quantum computers. The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has led the initiative to standardize post-quantum cryptographic algorithms.

Yu Takki, Vice President and Head of Infra Technology Office of SK Telecom, emphasized the commitment to cybersecurity and customer data safety. He stated, “This collaboration between SKT and Thales highlights our commitment to staying ahead of the curve in terms of cybersecurity and ensuring the safety of our customers’ data. PQC provides enhanced security through the use of cryptographic algorithms that are thought to be secure against quantum computer attacks. Going forward, we will combine PQC SIM with our additional Quantum expertise to achieve end-to-end quantum-safe communications,”

Eva Rudin, Senior Vice President Mobile Connectivity & Solutions at Thales, highlighted the need to transition to cryptographic algorithms believed to be secure against quantum attacks, especially as quantum computers have the potential to break certain existing cryptographic algorithms. “As quantum computers have the potential to break certain existing cryptographic algorithms, there is an emerging need to transition to cryptographic algorithms believed to be secure against quantum attacks. For 5G networks, Thales started to invest on cryptographic algorithms that are quantum-resistant to enhance continued communications security and privacy for users,”

This collaboration marks a significant milestone in enhancing the security and privacy of 5G networks against future threats from quantum computing.

Media contact:

Vanessa Viala
Digital Identity & Security Press Officer
+33 6 07 34 00 34
vanessa.viala@thalesgroup.com

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SOURCE: Thales