SKT Develops Quantum Cryptography-Based VPN Technology... Commercialization in Second Half of the Year

SK Telecom announced on the 17th that its subsidiary SK Square's IDQ and network security equipment company Xgate have completed the development of quantum cryptography-based Virtual Private Network (VPN) technology.

SKT developed a quantum cryptography-based VPN by integrating IDQ's Quantum Random Number Generator (QRNG) chipset into Xgate's VPN server equipment. The strongest advantage is enhanced security compared to existing solutions, with plans to launch commercial services in the second half of this year.

VPN is a technology used to protect data exchanged within the internal networks of companies or institutions, offering a cost advantage over building dedicated private networks. Since VPN protects data by adding encryption and decryption processes during data transmission and reception, it is important to apply a high level of security technology to these encryption and decryption processes.

The quantum cryptography-based VPN applies quantum cryptography technology, which is currently the highest level of security technology. It significantly improves security by utilizing quantum random number generation technology to address vulnerabilities in existing encryption methods that could be exposed to hacking risks due to quantum computing.

Additionally, since it is implemented by applying the QRNG chipset to Xgate's VPN equipment, no additional equipment beyond the existing VPN devices is required. The monthly usage fee is also the same as that of existing VPNs, making it economically efficient.

SKT plans to enter markets that require high levels of security, such as defense, public sector, and finance, which handle sensitive information, in collaboration with SK Shieldus, Xgate, and others.

Ha Min-yong, SKT's Chief Data Officer (CDO), said, "We have developed a service with a high level of security that can be used even in the quantum computing era by applying quantum cryptography technology to VPNs that support secure communication for companies or institutions. We will actively target the security market in industries requiring high security such as public sector, defense, and finance in Korea through cooperation with SK Shieldus, Xgate, and others."

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