Woorinet Develops Core Function 'Transmission Encryption Module' for SKT Next-Generation Quantum Cryptography Interoperable Transmission Equipment

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunseok Yoo] Woorinet announced on the 21st that it has obtained National Intelligence Service (NIS) certification for the quantum encryption-based transmission encryption module developed in collaboration with SK Telecom.

The encryption module is a transmission encryption module that meets the international standard for quantum encryption key linkage. The NIS Cryptographic Module Validation Program (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.

The modules certified through cooperation between Woorinet and SKT are two products supporting data transmission speeds of 100Gbps and 10Gbps. They are installed in next-generation optical communication equipment (POTN) that handles high-capacity traffic.

The 'T-Crypto' applied in this certification is based on the purely domestic cryptographic technology LEA (Lightweight Encryption Algorithm) and is a technology 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 links mathematically algorithm-based mutual authentication and cryptographic key exchange technology with SKT's Quantum Key Distribution (QKD).

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

Woorinet, together with SKT, developed this transmission encryption module and has steadily contributed to the advancement of domestic quantum encryption by carrying out the Digital New Deal quantum encryption communication infrastructure construction projects commissioned by the Ministry of Science and ICT and the National Information Society Agency (NIA) twice in 2020 and 2021 using this technology.

Jang Hyunguk, CEO of Woorinet, stated, “The NIS certification of this transmission encryption module once again proves Woorinet’s technological capabilities,” and added, “We will continue to take the lead in the development of domestic quantum encryption by cooperating with SKT with Woorinet’s advanced technology.”