KT Corporation, South Korea’s largest telecommunications firm, announced it had developed a quantum cryptographic technology that requires no dedicated terminal. In collaboration with local digital security startup EYL Inc., KT developed the quantum communication tech for enhanced device security measures. Moreover, KT’s new quantum encryption technology creates a connection between smartphones using encrypted voice data.
Scrambler-Free Quantum Technology
“We developed a highly secure quantum cryptography secret communication service by combining the technologies of EYL and KT,” said Lee Jong-Sik, Head of KT’s Infrastructure Research Center. By combining EYL’s quantum solutions and security applications and KT’s capabilities, the two companies co-developed the new quantum cryptography. Users can employ quantum cryptographic technology through the new development without utilizing a physical scrambler connected to a network.
For the telecommunications industry, a dedicated terminal or scrambler is an electronic gadget that mixes up signals and data. If data receivers lack proper descrambling equipment, they will not decode a sender’s messages. Commonly, telephone and radio communications, satellite networks, and defense and intelligence agencies use dedicated terminals to strengthen security.
Due to KT’s new development, users can utilize and apply quantum cryptography using simple smartphone devices, acquiring safer communication performance. Accordingly, even private companies can easily implement quantum encryption to their data systems to secure their communication networks. KT stated that its new quantum technology’s core is the ‘Quantum Secure Communication Terminal,’ which encrypts smartphone voice data. When users apply this technology to encrypt smartphone voice data, they help block private conversation tappers and real-time cyber attacks.
Improved Encryption Security Levels
Additionally, KT employed the Quantum Random Number Generator (QRNG) technology, which provides an essentially unhackable quantum system using passcode tables. After encoding, the QRNG transmits data through the Quantum Key Distributor (QKD), which generates a key that secures sensitive information. Previously, developers only used QRNG for quantum encryption, while KT utilized QKD and QRNG for improved security levels.
“KT will continue research and development to contribute to the establishment of the domestic quantum cryptography ecosystem and transform into a digital platform company,” continued Lee. Additionally, KT partnered with Gangwon’s Provincial Office to promote quantum technology and information and establish quantum cryptography business opportunities.
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