KT Partners with Shinhan Bank to Develop 'Hybrid Quantum Security Network'

Confirming Safe and Error-Free Data Transmission
Collaboration with Domestic and International Equipment Manufacturers and Security Companies

KT has developed a financial security network utilizing quantum technology and will pilot it at Shinhan Bank.

On the 19th, KT announced that it temporarily established a 'hybrid quantum security network' within Shinhan Bank and verified its performance. This communication network connects Shinhan Bank's headquarters in Jung-gu, Seoul, with the Gangnam Annex in Gangnam-gu.

The security network combines 'quantum key distribution' technology with 'quantum-resistant encryption.' Quantum key distribution uses the principle of quantum mechanics, which makes replication impossible, to fundamentally block eavesdropping attempts on physical lines such as optical cables, while quantum-resistant encryption provides security that cannot be decrypted even by quantum computers, protecting software and other application services.

During the verification process of the hybrid quantum security network, KT focused on confirming data transmission and reception performance directly related to communication quality. The data transmitted during testing was encrypted within 10 microseconds (μs), and hundreds of thousands of connections were securely made using quantum-resistant encryption without errors.

KT collaborated with domestic and international equipment manufacturers and security specialists to build the hybrid quantum security network.

Toshiba Digital Solutions provided quantum key distribution equipment and quantum key management devices, while the domestic manufacturer Cowiver supported the system that links legacy equipment with quantum encryption devices (technology transferred by KT in 2021). Dream Security collaborated with KT to assist in protecting the application layer.

Jong-sik Lee, Executive Director of KT Network Research Institute, said, "Through cooperation with global companies, we are securing the capabilities of domestic firms, and in the future, we will strive to enable domestic companies' quantum security technologies to expand overseas."