2 min

Thales and Senetas have jointly released a new solution for network encryption. The companies claim that the encryption is good enough to withstand an attack with a quantum computer.

Quantum computers currently pose little threat to network security, as the existing machines are still relatively small-scale and are mainly used for scientific purposes. However, experts suspect that as soon as quantum computers really take off, they can very quickly decrypt existing encryption methods.

Encryption resistant to quantum computers

For this reason, Thales and Senetas have released a network encryption solution that is ready for a future in which quantum computers are common. The companies expect that a working quantum computer will have been developed within five to ten years, and the world should be ready for when it happens.

The solution of the two companies can handle speeds up to 100 Gbit/s and supports the latest standards of the European Telecommunications Institute on how quantum keys are created, protected and distributed. How exactly the security works, the companies do not say.

First of its kind

“As quantum computing becomes a reality, organisations around the world should develop a quantum security strategy and start planning to implement quantum resistant encryption sooner rather than later. This is the first to market high-speed network encryption platform that provides quantum resistant encryption with today’s encryption technology. Our government, defence and business customers can make a secure transition to a future quantum-safe world knowing data is protected for the long-term”, said Andrew Wilson, Senetas CEO.

“It is essential that companies understand that all current encryption standards are not suitable for a quantum world. Hackers know quantum is coming and are stealing data now so they can access it in the future. Large organisations and multinationals are most at risk because of compliance and privacy mandates. Companies can’t afford to wait, now is the time to rethink their quantum security strategy,” said Todd Moore, vice president of encryption solutions at Thales.

Tip: Dutch scientists develop the first ‘quantum internet’