industry
UNLOCKED
Chris Erven , CEO and Co-founder at KETS Quantum Security and infrastructure to make this possible . However , this means nothing if it ’ s not done securely .
Chris Erven , CEO and Co-founder at KETS Quantum Security
Telecom providers are the backbone of global communications , powering every tech advancement in modern society with their ability to connect different systems and locations . From the initial introduction of dial-up Internet in the 1980s and desktops hitting the mainstream in the 1990s , through to the world we live in now , where most people have an entire computer on a phone .
As the government gears up to position the UK as an AI superpower , the role of telcos becomes even more critical in delivering the connectivity , capacity
This rapidly evolving tech space brings new challenges , particularly in the world of quantum computing . The tech industry seems convinced quantum computers are two decades away . Realistically , the first will come online in the next five years . The only question is which country will develop one first .
Once the first quantum computer is live , the encryption that currently keeps emails , instant messages and financial transactions secure will become irrelevant . Trying to share anything privately will be akin to playing poker while showing your opponents your hand . When that happens , all the data held by governments and organisations that aren ’ t quantum secure will be readily available . Telecom companies and public sector bodies that bury their heads in the sand are putting the security of their infrastructure , and therefore public data , at significant risk .
Telecom providers can strengthen their cybersecurity by adopting quantum-safe solutions . Quantum Key Distribution ( QKD ), securely shares cryptographic keys using quantum mechanics , making it immune to interception or tampering – even by quantum computers . Quantum Random Number Generation ( QRNG ) produces random numbers , essential for encrypting data and protecting it from future threats . Post-quantum encryption algorithms are updated cryptographic algorithms that are secure against a quantum computer .
With cyberattacks getting increasingly sophisticated with every passing day , hardware-based quantum technologies like QKD and QRNGs will become the backbone of cybersecurity . In fact , quantum-safe encryption will allow telcos to supercharge the data security of organisations across the globe . Simply put , investment will give their customers – whether that ’ s businesses , public sector bodies , or people worldwide , peace of mind .
The time has therefore come for telecom companies to begin taking the threat of quantum computers seriously . Yes , they will have hundreds , if not thousands , of positive applications once introduced but the impact on cybersecurity can ’ t be ignored . To ensure sensitive data remains secure , telcos need to look towards a future-proofed system that secures their networks that power the world we live in against both conventional and quantum cyberattacks . It ’ s that level of resilience that ’ s required now , rather than attempting to play catchup after it ’ s too late .
46 WWW . INTELLIGENTCISO . COM