"Leading the Public Sector Security Market" SKT Obtains National Official Certification for Next-Generation Communication Security Technology

Acquisition of National Intelligence Service KCMVP Certification for Cryptographic Technology 'T Crypto'
Accelerating Public and Private Market Expansion with Korea's First Quantum Cryptography Transmission Encryption Module Certification

[Asia Economy Reporter Eunmo Koo] SK Telecom announced on the 18th that it has become the first in Korea to obtain the National Intelligence Service's Cryptographic Module Validation Program (KCMVP) certification for a transmission encryption module that meets the international standard for quantum cryptographic key integration.

The modules certified by SK Telecom this time are two products supporting data transmission speeds of 100Gbps and 10Gbps, respectively, and will be installed in next-generation optical communication equipment (POTN) that handles high-capacity traffic. KCMVP is a system by the National Intelligence Service that verifies the security of cryptographic modules used to protect critical information in national and public institution information and communication networks.

‘T-Crypto,’ applied by SK Telecom for this certification, is a technology based on the purely domestic cryptographic technology LEA (Lightweight Encryption Algorithm) that can securely encrypt or decrypt data traffic on optical lines transmitting information at speeds up to 100Gbps.

T-Crypto features enhanced security through data encryption that integrates mathematically based mutual authentication and cryptographic key exchange technology with SK Telecom’s Quantum Key Distribution (QKD).

The transmission encryption modules equipped with T-Crypto are applied to tera-level ultra-high-speed optical lines and generate cryptographic keys that can only be decrypted at the transmitter and receiver ends, thereby securely protecting critical information. SK Telecom plans to accelerate the practical application of quantum cryptography technology by supplying transmission encryption modules to communication networks of government, local governments, military, and private sectors where information security is especially important.

Furthermore, SK Telecom will continue to develop technology so that T-Crypto, a purely domestic security technology, can be recognized and spread overseas. SK Telecom plans to advance quantum cryptography-based high-speed encryption modules and continuously expand its lineup of KCMVP-certified products.

Jonggwan Park, head of SK Telecom’s infrastructure technology division, said, “The development of T-Crypto cryptographic technology, which obtained KCMVP certification this time, is the result of SKT’s continuous efforts to strengthen the security of its 5G services,” adding, “We will enhance technology development to achieve world-class security levels.”