SK Telecom announced on the 19th that it has collaborated with global security company Thales to develop SIM-network authentication technology using post-quantum cryptography (PQC) and successfully linked it with a 5G test network.
This technology test involved applying post-quantum cryptography algorithms for encryption and key exchange to SIM cards and the 5G authentication system, and testing them on the 5G test network in collaboration with Thales.
SKT explained that during this technology test, operations such as registration, authentication, and call reception were successfully carried out just as in the existing security system, even when applying the post-quantum cryptography algorithms.
SKT and Thales also developed the post-quantum cryptography algorithms used in this technology test as an API (a standard interface for software utilization), laying the foundation for future use not only in network authentication but also in services requiring high-level security such as M2M (Machine-to-Machine) communication.
SKT is applying various technologies including quantum key distribution (QKD), post-quantum cryptography, and quantum random number generators (QRNG) to devices and networks in preparation for threats to existing security systems due to advances in quantum computing.
Along with the quantum cryptography and quantum random number generators previously developed and commercially applied, SKT plans to secure differentiated solutions for network security based on the post-quantum cryptography technology that succeeded in this test.
Ryu Tak-gi, head of SKT’s infrastructure technology division, said, "This post-quantum cryptography technology test aims to strengthen the security and stability of long-term communication networks with quantum computing in mind," adding, "We will continue to research security systems encompassing not only networks but also services in the future."
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