[Featured Stock] A Chip That Even Quantum Computers Can't Crack... ICTK's Patent 'Secret'

The next-generation security fabless company ICTK is showing strong performance. Since Google’s quantum computer research organization Quantum AI unexpectedly unveiled a new quantum computer called ‘Willow’ on December 9 last year, attention has been focused on quantum computing-related stocks.

ICTK is a leading company moving fastest in the field of quantum security. In July 2022, it already launched the security chip ‘G5’ equipped with a post-quantum cryptography (PQC) algorithm. ICTK is a member of the Global Semiconductor Alliance (GSA), which includes global companies such as NVIDIA, Intel, ARM, Samsung, and SK Hynix, and is leading technology by publishing technical white papers in the IoT security and IP divisions.

Daishin Securities analyzed that interest in quantum computing has exploded following Google’s announcement of quantum computer development, raising concerns about the obsolescence of existing encryption methods (RSA, ECC). With the increasing need to apply post-quantum cryptography (PQC), they expect ICTK to prepare for a leap as a deep-tech company in the quantum computing era.

At 9:35 a.m. on the 6th, ICTK was trading at 12,350 KRW, up 23.5% from the previous trading day.

ICTK has established a dual security system through its core PQC technology and proprietary VIA physical unclonable function (PUF) patented technology. PQC technology is a quantum cryptographic algorithm designed to defend against quantum computer attacks, while VIA PUF technology prevents cloning by using unique IDs derived from wafer process variations.

ICTK succeeded in developing the Giant 5 (G5) chip with LG Uplus, applying PQC technology. This is the world’s first case of commercializing a chip with both PUF technology and quantum cryptography technology. Based on the G5 chip, USIM and eSIM have been developed and are already applied to communication devices. It is expected that equipping the chip with PQC algorithms will protect against future quantum computer attacks. In 2022, ICTK signed security chip supply contracts with global big tech companies and global notebook manufacturers.

Daishin Securities analyzed that ICTK has succeeded in implementing a unique ID that makes hacking virtually impossible even in the quantum computing era by combining PQC with VIA PUF-based security chips. Through this, ICTK is pushing to advance beyond simple market response to become a deep-tech company leading future quantum security standards and changes in global certification systems.

Earlier, ICTK was finally selected as a participating company in the ‘Small and Medium Enterprise Technology Innovation Development Project’ hosted by the Ministry of SMEs and Startups in August last year. This project aims to enhance technology competitiveness led by the private sector and foster innovative small and medium enterprises, providing technology development funds for two years. ICTK will begin developing a domestically produced PCIe HSM based on PUF (Physically Unclonable Function) equipped with post-quantum cryptography (PQC). It plans to develop competitive domestic solutions for both domestic and international markets.

As quantum computing technology advances, concerns about hacking are increasing. Recently, major foreign media warned that Bitcoin prices could plummet due to quantum computers. Financial systems, including Bitcoin, have maintained security through encryption technology called ‘public key cryptography.’ Quantum computers have the potential to quickly decrypt this public key cryptography.