South Korea Lags in Quantum Computers, but Could Lead in Quantum Security

As concerns grow that existing security systems could be rendered ineffective by quantum computers, a new analysis suggests that South Korea could secure a leading position in the quantum security market by leveraging its communications infrastructure.

On April 15, PwC Consulting released a report titled "Prepare for Q-Day: Security Infrastructure Innovation Driven by Quantum Technology," sharing these insights. Q-Day refers to the point at which quantum computers are actually able to break current cryptographic systems.

According to PwC, the quantum security market could present opportunities for Korean companies. Although the United States and China are leading in the development of quantum computers themselves, quantum security relies on the ability to upgrade encryption on top of communications infrastructure and demonstrate and apply solutions in compliance with international standards. The report stated, "With the world's top-tier communications infrastructure, South Korea is in a relatively advantageous starting position."

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The report recommends that, for South Korea to take the lead, it is essential to actively participate in the establishment of international standards, as the technical standards formed in the early stages of the market can determine the market structure. Since it is impossible to convert all systems at once, a phased strategy using a hybrid approach-combining existing encryption with post-quantum cryptography (PQC)-is necessary. Furthermore, since relying only on leading companies will not ensure sustained competitiveness, the report suggests fostering an industrial ecosystem centered on materials, components, and equipment (referred to as "SoBuJang" companies).

Park Hyunchul, Risk and Cyber Services Leader (Partner) at PwC Consulting, commented, "The recent boom in Korea's semiconductor industry was possible not only because of leading memory companies, but also due to the simultaneous growth of numerous SoBuJang companies," adding, "In quantum security as well, fostering leading companies with international standard compliance and commercialization capabilities, alongside building an industry ecosystem centered on materials, components, and equipment, will enable South Korea to secure global market competitiveness."

The report also notes that the current public key-based cryptographic systems are facing limitations in the era of quantum computers. As alternatives, it highlights PQC and quantum key distribution (QKD). PQC refers to new cryptographic algorithms that cannot be solved even by quantum computers, serving as a replacement for existing systems and offering high compatibility with current infrastructure. QKD, on the other hand, leverages the laws of quantum physics to transmit encryption keys in a way that makes eavesdropping fundamentally impossible.

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