GSMA, IBM and Vodafone tackle challenge of quantum computing security
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Global cellular industry body, the GSMA, is creating a Post-Quantum Telco Network Taskfroce that will address the security of telecommunications networks as quantum computing evolves.
IT giant IBM and mobile operator Vodafone have signed on as the first members of the group, which will define requirements, identify dependencies and create a technology roadmap for quantum secure network standards.
“The goal of the GSMA Taskforce is to bring together leading global communications service providers with experts from IBM, Vodafone and other operators and ecosystem partners to understand and implement quantum secure technology,” said Alex Sinclair, GSMA’s Chief Technology Officer.
Commercial network
“By working together to create consistent policies, we can define quantum-secure approaches that protect critical infrastructure and customer data, complementing our ongoing security efforts to increase resilience in future networks.”
While classical computer architectures store information in binary (1 or 0) bits, quantum computing uses the ability of subatomic particles to exist in multiple states simultaneously.
This means that quantum computers can store significantly more information and calculate problems much faster.
However, there are concerns that the technology could make industry-standard encryption measures obsolete – something that could have huge implications for communications networks.
The technology industry has therefore shifted its focus to developing quantum-secure encrypted communications that reduce the risk of cybercriminals stealing sensitive information that could be decrypted by quantum computers in the future.
The magnitude of the task is illustrated by recent World Economic Forum estimates that more than 20 million devices will need to be upgraded or replaced within the next two decades.
“Quantum computing is by far the biggest revolution in computing since the 1950s, and most of it will positively impact our industry and society as we move towards fully automated networks,” said Luke Ibbetson, Vodafone’s head of R&D. “It has the potential to solve highly complex optimization challenges, allowing us to further refine our networks for an even better customer experience.
“At the same time, future quantum computing could inherently undermine the cryptographic principles relied on today. That is why Vodafone is committed to working with the GSMA and other members of the GSMA Post-Quantum Telco Network Taskforce to protect and secure customer data with the timely adoption of quantum-secure solutions, policies and standards.”