Small but Strong Crypto Companies Collaborating with SKT Launch Products Applying QRNG Chips
A research and development employee at KCS, which manufactures the highest security level encryption chips in Korea, is conducting research related to SKT's QRNG chip as a 'quantum encryption one-chip'.
[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Hye-seon] SK Telecom is entering the defense public sector market with quantum random number generation (QRNG) security technology in collaboration with domestic small and medium-sized enterprises, and is also challenging the global market.
On the 25th, SKT announced that it will develop products enhanced with security by applying quantum random number generation chips created together with its affiliate quantum information technology company ID Quantique (IDQ), in collaboration with domestic cryptography SMEs such as Bitree, KCS, and Octaco. Quantum random number generators use quantum properties to create ‘true random numbers’ without patterns. Even if a third party attempts to hack and steal the random numbers, they cannot be interpreted due to the absence of patterns.
According to SKT, QRNG is implemented in chip (semiconductor) form, making it easy to apply to products in other fields, and demand for QRNG is increasing due to the expansion of new technology fields requiring high security levels. Based on QRNG technology, SKT and IDQ developed the world’s first QRNG chip that can be embedded in Internet of Things (IoT) products after four years of research and development in 2020. The QRNG chip, developed in collaboration with IDQ and semiconductor design specialist Bitree, was embedded in Samsung Electronics’ smartphone ‘Galaxy Quantum,’ which was followed by two successor models.
SKT explained, "We are currently researching and developing QRNG-applied solutions with dozens of companies in various fields such as IoT, vehicle cybersecurity (V2X), and finance."
Developing Quantum Cryptography One-Chip
SKT is developing a 'quantum cryptography one-chip' that combines QRNG and cryptographic communication functions into a single semiconductor together with KCS. KCS is a technology company that independently developed the KEV7 cryptographic chip, which provides strong security for various IoT-based products and devices. The KEV7 chip received Level 2 cryptographic module validation (KCMVP) certification from the National Intelligence Service, the highest security level among domestic cryptographic chips.
Since this project involves embedding the QRNG chip into the previously security-certified KCS cryptographic chip, it is expected to shorten the certification process, reduce costs, and enhance marketability.
SKT and KCS plan to enter defense weapon system projects such as drones, public institution projects like Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO), and home network security markets such as wall pads with the ‘quantum cryptography one-chip.’
Global Expansion with QRNG-Based Biometric Authentication Keys
Biometric authentication venture company Octaco’s fingerprint security key ‘EasyQuant’ combines QRNG technology with a card-type fingerprint security key (FIDO) based on online authentication services. This method enhances security by applying QRNG to the previously serviced fingerprint security key. FIDO is a technology that performs personal authentication using biometric technology without ID or password in an online environment, mainly utilizing biometric information such as fingerprints and irises.
‘EasyQuant’ is currently adopted as a security authentication method for important facility systems, including Gyeonggi Provincial Government, Daejeon Waterworks Headquarters, and subway integrated control CCTV administrators.
Additionally, ‘EasyQuant’ can be linked with all authentications of PC login and internal security systems previously performed by biometric authentication, and can also be used for access security by utilizing NFC functions required for office entry.
SKT and Octaco plan to integrate EasyQuant with global office platforms such as Microsoft Office 365 and Google Cloud, and apply it to certification services including the U.S. federal government certification service and the United Kingdom’s National Health Service (NHS) certification. They are also developing authentication devices targeting India’s large-scale national identification service, the ‘Aadhaar Project,’ aiming to enter the global massive market.
Lee Jae-hyung, CEO of Octaco, said, “We plan to expand the FIDO market through solutions incorporating QRNG, and accelerate various security authentication businesses through cooperation with SKT, using this as a momentum for the company’s growth.”
Next-Generation QRNG Chip Development Underway
IDQ and Bitree are promoting the development of next-generation QRNG chips aimed at technological evolution. The next-generation QRNG chip, targeted for commercialization in early 2024, will be offered in a form that is smaller in size, more affordable, and improved in performance compared to existing QRNG chips to facilitate market expansion.
SKT’s person in charge, Ha Min-yong (CDO), stated, “We will strengthen domestic and international quantum businesses by establishing a domestic quantum security technology ecosystem,” and added, “We will expand the quantum cryptography market across various sectors including defense and public security markets centered on mid- to long-term R&D, as well as private sectors such as IoT, vehicle cybersecurity (V2X), and finance.”
Bitree Vice President Kim Hee-geol explained, “To expand the QRNG market, we plan to develop next-generation products with not only improved performance but also price competitiveness together with IDQ.”
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