The South Korean government is considering adopting the commercialization of quantum cryptography communications. National Intelligence Service (NIS), the chief intelligence agency for overseeing cybersecurity, will soon commence the screening and authorisation process for quantum cryptography communications.
With this adoption, South Korea will become the first country to commercialize quantum cryptography communications. South Korea is one of the most technologically advanced nations with multiple government-funded initiatives for the growth and development of quantum technology. In 2022, South Korea and the US formed a partnership to work on quantum science. A quantum centre was established for research objectives in Washington.
Quantum cryptography communications and quantum tech, in general, is a contributing forces. Such products strengthen data safety within government, enterprises and academic customers. The South Korean government realizes the potential integrating quantum with sensitive agencies could bring. Quantum can not just ensure security but also lay out a single convergence network that connects diverse government departments at one point.
It is expected NIS will preferably check quantum-based products from leading tech companies like SK Telecom (SKT). SKT provides world-class ICT service and shows its expertise in the quantum industry. Their quantum random number generator (QRNG) as well as the newly built Quantum Cryptography One Chip which is specifically designed for securing defence products and wall pads are anticipated to be the first to be analyzed by NSI.
Samsung is another major player that helped South Korea to stay terrific when it comes to technology and advancements. Samsung has been putting quantum tech in their smartphones. For example, the Samsung Galaxy A Quantum smartphone arrives with in-built cryptography technology for safety.
In 2020, LG Uplus, one of the biggest wireless carriers in South Korea launched a post-quantum cryptography dedicated line service that saves quantum computers from hacking attacks. Two years later, SKT announced a quantum cryptography network dedicated line service in collaboration with KT, a Korean ICT company. Users could transmit information by exchanging encryption keys through this line service.
Quantum cryptography is the future of secure communications. From securing sensitive bank details of clients to safeguarding a country’s sophisticated defence data, quantum cryptography will be utilized in every space and industry. Looking forward to the future, global governments are putting in efforts towards a quantum technology-friendly atmosphere.
In Europe, cutting-edge quantum cryptography configurations are being encouraged just as in South Korea. With the launch of EuroQCI (European Quantum Communication Infrastructure Initiative), Europe as well as some overseas territories will build a secure quantum communication infrastructure. At the same time, the initiative will also boost Europe’s digital sovereignty and industry-wise competence by 2030.
The acceptance of quantum cryptography for commercial purposes in South Korea will set guiding stones for global markets, especially in the Asian continent. Countries in Asia are looking up to the South Korean network model for quantum cryptography.
Last year, Singapore’s quantum communication company, SpeQtral built Southeast Asia’s first Quantum Networks Experience Centre (QNEX). The facility will be used for exploring and researching commercial quantum cryptography. The perks of speedy computational work and multi-usage make the installation of quantum-based technology lucrative in this era.
