SKT Unveils Next-Generation 'Quantum Cryptography Chip' at MWC... Global Expansion

[Asia Economy Reporter Oh Su-yeon] SK Telecom is launching a next-generation security chip that integrates quantum random number generation and encrypted communication functions, showcasing it at the Mobile World Congress (MWC) 23 held in Barcelona, Spain.

On the 20th, SKT announced the release of the 'Quantum Crypto chip,' which combines a quantum random number generator (QRNG) chip developed jointly with IDQ, a subsidiary of SK Square, and the domestic security company KCS, with semiconductor encrypted communication functions into a single chip.

SK Telecom announced on the 20th that it has completed the development of a 'Quantum Cryptography Chip,' which combines a quantum random number generator chip and a semiconductor with cryptographic communication functions, developed together with IDQ, a subsidiary of SK Square, and KCS, a domestic native security company. The chip will be showcased at MWC23.
[Photo by SKT]

The newly introduced 'Quantum Crypto chip' (hereafter referred to as the 'One Chip') is an ultra-lightweight, low-power chip that provides robust security features for various Internet of Things (IoT)-based products and devices. It incorporates strong security technologies such as quantum-based cryptographic key generation and physical unclonable function (PUF) technology.

The greatest advantage of the 'One Chip' is its strong security. KCS’s existing chip has obtained the Grade 2 cryptographic module validation (KCMVP) certification from the National Intelligence Service, the highest security grade among domestic cryptographic chips. The hardware quantum cryptographic chip, enhanced with quantum random number generation functionality, offers high-performance encrypted communication based on quantum randomness.

The 'One Chip' is expected to be actively applied to various products in the defense and public sectors. By integrating two chips responsible for quantum random number generation and encrypted communication functions into a single chip, it improves economic efficiency and ease of installation.

The 'One Chip' is 30% cheaper than purchasing the quantum random number generator chip and the encrypted communication function chip separately. Additionally, its higher integration reduces the board size by 20% compared to mounting two separate chips, making it easier to install in small devices such as IoT gadgets.

The 'One Chip' is currently undergoing security certification by the National Intelligence Service. Since it adds quantum random number generation functionality to the previously certified KCS cryptographic chip (KEV7), the certification process is expected to be shortened.

Amid active large-scale distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks, the domestic security market size in 2022 reached KRW 6.7195 trillion, growing 9% compared to 2021. It is projected to grow by 4.8% and 3.8% in 2023 and 2024, respectively. In particular, the global quantum cryptographic communication market is expected to grow at an average annual rate of 39.8% since 2022, reaching KRW 24.5793 trillion by 2030.

The importance of security is increasingly emphasized due to the rapid development of artificial intelligence (AI) technology, which has recently gained significant attention with the Chat GPT craze. The rise in cyber threats is driven by the potential for AI-based cyberattacks and mass production of malware.

SKT plans to quickly apply the 'One Chip' to everyday life. First, following the revision of the 'Installation and Technical Standards for Intelligent Home Network Equipment' implemented in July last year, the 'One Chip' will be applied to the wall pad security business to further strengthen defense against hacking attacks and data security. In the future, SKT aims to actively target the public and defense security markets as well as the global security market.

Ha Min-yong, Chief Digital Officer (CDO) of SKT, said, “We are unveiling the ‘Quantum Crypto chip,’ which provides strong security functions while enhancing economic efficiency, for the first time at MWC23. We will continue to collaborate with various domestic small and medium enterprises to target the global security market.”

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.