KT announced that it has established a prototype of a “hybrid quantum security network” within Shinhan Bank and verified its performance. This communication network connects the headquarters of Shinhan Bank in Jung-gu, Seoul, and its Gangnam branch in Gangnam-gu.
This hybrid quantum security network combines “quantum key distribution (QKD)” technology with “post-quantum cryptography (PQC).”
In the verification process of the hybrid network, KT focused on confirming the data transmission and reception performance directly related to communication quality. During testing, data was encrypted within 10 microseconds, and hundreds of thousands of connections were securely protected by post-quantum cryptography without any errors.
The company utilized the “Quantum Resistant Public Key Algorithm (Draft)” selected by the U.S. Federal Information Processing Standards (FIPS) for this security network. FIPS is an official information technology standard by the U.S. federal government. For use in government agencies and contracted organizations as well as for military use.
They explained that the hybrid quantum security network, in addition to FIPS, conforms to domestic quantum cryptographic communication security systems and to the government’s roadmap for transitioning to post-quantum cryptography. Therefore, it can be globally used by numerous public and financial institutions.
Meanwhile, KT collaborated with domestic and international equipment manufacturers and security companies to establish the hybrid quantum security network. Toshiba Digital Solutions is provided with quantum key distribution equipment and quantum key management equipment. A domestic manufacturer, COWEAVER, supported the integration of old equipment with quantum cryptography equipment. Dream Security contributed significantly to application layer protection.
Jong-Sik Lee, the director of the Network Research Institute at KT, stated, “We are developing our quantum technology and transferring technology to small and medium-sized enterprises to support domestic ecosystem and market expansion.” He added, “Through collaboration with global companies, we will enhance the capabilities of domestic companies and promote the overseas expansion of domestic companies’ quantum security technologies in the future.”