What is quantum-resistant communications?
Securing the future
Robust network security is essential to protect sensitive data in motion. But even today’s most advanced encryption technology cannot offer protection against quantum computers. Today, information encrypted using asymmetric cryptography is useless to any hacker, but there is still value in harvesting it. This is because, to a universal quantum computer, decrypting this data would be as simple as pushing at an open door. Though today’s quantum computers are limited in their capabilities and cannot be used for such purposes, this may not be true for long. This is why organizations and governments worldwide are looking into quantum-resistant cryptography to safeguard their information against tomorrow’s quantum-enabled attacks.
The post-quantum world
Hackers using quantum computers may be able to crack the most secure currently applied key exchange algorithms.
Our FSP 3000 and FSP 150 devices have already begun to protect networks against the looming quantum threat.
Quantum-safe communications
Networks will need to leverage new quantum-safe technologies to keep sensitive data fully protected.
Quantum key distribution
While symmetric encryption is broadly secure, the conventional asymmetric key exchange is highly vulnerable to quantum-enabled attacks. Quantum key distribution (QKD) is a technology that solves this problem. It uses quantum information (qubits) to let two parties exchange secure keys. Any attempt to tap these key exchanges distorts information carried by photons preventing a new key being generated. The other quantum-safe method of securing data involves the math-based approach of post-quantum key exchange algorithms. The appeal of post-quantum cryptography is that it’s easily deployable over long-haul and multi-operator links. This method can, of course, be used in combination with QKD, providing an even higher level of protection.
A quantum leap in data protection
Adtran’s FSP 3000 and FSP 150 platforms have been at the heart of several breakthrough trials of quantum-safe security.
A secure tomorrow today
At Adtran, we’re focused on developing security solutions that protect data against all forms of cyberattack, including those from quantum computers. We are part of the OPENQKD project to help accelerate the commercial adoption of QKD technology across the world. Our FSP 3000 open line system and optical and Ethernet ConnectGuard™ encryption solutions have been successfully tested with quantum-resistant algorithms. We’ve also been one of the first adopters of the new ETSI key delivery interface standard, which facilitates the use of QKD-based encryption keys on commercial hardware encryptors. Set to play a crucial role in the ever-evolving battle to guarantee data secrecy, our pioneering FSP 3000 and FSP 150 platforms are setting a new industry standard.
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