Kookmin University Develops 5G-AKA-HPQC... Leading 6G Security

Kookmin University announced on the 3rd that Professor Yoo Il-seon’s research team has successfully designed and implemented ‘5G-AKA-HPQC,’ which integrates forward secrecy and hybrid post-quantum cryptography (HPQC) technology.

Professor Yoo Il-seon’s research team at Kookmin University is discussing the '5G-AKA-HPQC Study.' (Photo by Kookmin University)

This research was conducted as part of the project “Optimization of Post-Quantum Cryptography and Application of Security Protocols for Building a Secure Next-Generation IoT Communication Environment,” supported by the Ministry of Science and ICT and the Institute for Information & Communications Technology Planning & Evaluation.

Professor Yoo’s team introduced HPQC technology to complement the vulnerabilities of 5G-AKA, proposing a new authentication protocol that ensures forward secrecy, thereby laying the groundwork to lead the direction of 6G primary authentication. Currently, interoperability testing is underway with LG CNS’s 5G specialized network core solution, ‘LG CNS 5G Core,’ and it is expected to contribute to strengthening domestic 6G security technology competitiveness and embedding quantum security.

Professor Yoo stated, “The development of 5G-AKA-HPQC at this critical juncture transitioning from 5G to 6G is a meaningful start that indicates the direction of 6G security,” adding, “Through research on embedding quantum security in mobile communications, we will lead the world with domestic technology.”