KT, which is developing core quantum cryptographic communication technology in-house, said Tuesday that it has registered 28 related core patents and carried out 12 technology transfers to date. Beginning this year, the company is broadening its business scope from its existing focus on quantum key distribution (QKD) to the quantum-resistant cryptography (PQC) migration business.
KT held a media study session the previous day at a conference room in Pihl in Gwanghwamun, Jongno-gu, Seoul, where it shared the current status of its development of QKD and post-quantum cryptography (PQC) technologies.
QKD is a technology that uses the properties of quantum mechanics to immediately detect eavesdropping attempts during the transmission of encryption keys, while PQC is an encryption method that applies new mathematical structures difficult to decrypt even with quantum computers. Combining these two technologies can protect both encryption key transmission and encryption algorithms, significantly enhancing security levels.
In this regard, KT is developing a "Quantum Safe Network" that combines QKD and PQC. The structure is designed to be mutually complementary, applying QKD to network transmission sections to protect encryption key delivery, and applying PQC to access and service sections to strengthen the security of the encryption itself. Over the medium to long term, KT aims to build a communications environment that safely protects customer data based on the Quantum Safe Network.
In particular, KT's expansion this year from a QKD-focused business to include PQC migration capabilities is regarded as its biggest achievement. "In line with the government's recent PQC migration pilot project, we are currently carrying out a PQC migration project for defense equipment together with the Ministry of National Defense," team leader Cho said. "The biggest change is that we have secured PQC migration capabilities, going beyond a simple equipment supply business."
Based on these technologies, KT also provides a quantum cryptography dedicated line service (QKD/PQC) that applies both QKD and PQC to existing transmission networks. "KT's greatest strength is that we are cooperating with domestic companies to invigorate the quantum cryptography industry ecosystem," Cho said. "To date, we have carried out 28 quantum-related patents and 12 technology transfers, and through this we are leading the localization of domestic security equipment."
Building on this, KT plans to establish quantum cryptographic communication infrastructure that can later be expanded into various services such as Q-VPN and transmission network security.
