Telefónica & the FortiGuard Mobile Security Service
Global telecom giant Telefónica is taking a forward thinking approach that could ripple through the cyber sphere by announcing the development of a new quantum security architecture solution.
Working with tech integrators Warpcom and Quantum Xchange and cybersecurity firm Fortinet, the development aims to demonstrate its effectiveness in protecting organisations against sophisticated cyber attacks that use quantum computing.
Quantum computers perform certain calculations exponentially faster than classical computers. This means attackers using such computers can implement much more code cracking attempts. Equally, if it comes up against encryption that has been created by standard computers’ algorithms, it could easier crack them.
Fortinet and Telefónica pioneer quantum-safe cybersecurity solutions
Although not currently a huge issue faced in the field of cybersecurity, the growing accessibility of quantum computers means companies are in a race against the clock to make sure solutions are developed before adversaries get their hands on it. Thankfully, Fortinet is on the case.
Fortinet is a cybersecurity company that specialises in network security solutions, securing the largest enterprise, service provider and government organisations around the world. Its FortiGuard Mobile Security Service combats attacks against mobile platforms and the latest threats targeting mobile devices.
We included Fortinet in our Top 10 Telco Security Companies.
Meanwhile, Spanish multinational telecommunications company Telefónica is headquartered in Madrid, Spain. It is one of the largest telephone operators and mobile network providers in the world, providing fixed and mobile telephony, broadband and subscription television - making it a potential target for cyber attacks.
Over the last six months, a team of 20 plus cybersecurity experts of the companies involved have worked closely together to develop this proof of concept architecture.
Quantum security architecture leverages the principles of quantum mechanics to enhance data protection and secure communication.
Central to this architecture is Quantum Key Distribution (QKD), which allows two parties to share encryption keys securely by using quantum entanglement and the properties of quantum states.
Additionally, quantum security incorporates post-quantum cryptographic algorithms designed to withstand attacks from quantum computers.
Integrating the functionalities of the different solutions, the Telefónica-led solution has undergone a rigorous battery of tests to ensure that its performance and resilience meet the most demanding requirements of organisations.
Following the internal testing phase, the group says they are ready to test this solution in a production environment.
Companies must protect themselves from cyber attacks or risk data compromise, warns Telefónica
In the near future, companies that don’t protect themselves could be at risk of cyber attacks that could compromise their data and systems, says Patricia Díez Muñoz, Global Security Director for Networks and Systems at Telefónica.
“Telefónica wanted to be ahead of the curve and come up with an answer that would allow organisations to prepare for quantum-safe communications today”
“Quantum cryptographic protocols should be resilient to all advances in computing and mathematics,” Issam Toufik, CTO at The European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI) said following the launch of the initiative. “As we outline the highest standards for a quantum safe future, ETSI working groups are focused on developing common interfaces and specifications to ensure future interoperability.”
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