Why businesses need quantum-safe networks now

Article 6/09/2024 Read time: 1 min

By Paul Savill, Global Practice Leader for Network and Edge at Kyndryl, and James Watt, VP of Nokia's Optical Networks business

Imagine the fastest runner in the world. They can only compete in one race at a time — much like the physical limitations of classical computing. Now if that same runner could race in many events simultaneously, that would resemble quantum computing.

Not only is quantum computing — an advanced field of computing that operates with different principles than classical computing — unimaginably faster than traditional computing, but it also gathers and uses insights more efficiently to offer a more complete picture of the situation.

Anticipating quantum cyber threats

Quantum computing will offer the potential to enhance IT operations across industries, including transportation, utilities, public safety, mining, financial services, defense, research, education and telecommunications. It will help networks make better predictions of weather and climate events, track demand patterns, use data to improve navigation, execute complex calculations, model trends and investment data, and manage telecommunications traffic.

However, the rapid advancements in quantum computing pose a threat. When quantum computing becomes fully operational, bad actors could use its speed and predictive capabilities to bypass traditional computing safeguards — meaning that quantum computers will be able to break the codes that keep our information safe by quickly solving hard math problems. As enterprises across industries look to incorporate artificial intelligence (AI), security will also be paramount.

That’s why IT security experts are racing to protect networks against potential quantum-computing-fueled attacks. Although quantum cyberattack capabilities are not yet here, we need to start hardening networks now to prevent the “harvest now, decrypt later” phenomenon, where critical data is stolen today to be decrypted with future quantum techniques at a later date.

What’s more, the rapid progress in quantum computing could cause economic problems. Businesses that depend on traditional computing might need to change quickly to keep up, which could require a lot of money to invest in new technology.

Through our partnership, Kyndryl and Nokia are already helping a major financial services customer deploy quantum-safe data center interconnect networks. These optical networks provide high-performing, advanced data encryption and connectivity, and serve as a foundation for future developments — including the rollout of the sixth generation of mobile network technology (6G). Compared to traditional networks, optical networks deliver low latency and low costs per bit in data transmission. Fiber-optic data transfer speeds can reach 301 terabits per second — 1.2 million times faster than domestic broadband.

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When quantum computing becomes fully operational, bad actors could use its speed and predictive capabilities to bypass traditional computing safeguards.

Paul Savill

Global Practice Leader for Network and Edge

Preparing for quantum AI

Nearly every nation involved in the global digital economy is developing — or has issued — regulations to govern the use of AI and to help ensure resilience against cyberattacks. When it comes to cyber threat detection and response, enterprises and governments need to be ready.

Legislations like the EU's Digital Operational Resilience Act (DORA) and the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) protect digital infrastructure and confidential information. Current encryption technologies meet these requirements but future advances in quantum computing will put networks at risk.

Optical networks are resilient due to built-in protection circuits. Nokia's optical network portfolio offers built-in quantum-safe encryption, which supports enhanced cyber resiliency and data integrity. Kyndryl and Nokia have implemented quantum-safe networks solutions that not only help meet regulations today but will continue to help protect data privacy and network resiliency in the foreseeable future.

While breaking today’s cryptographic systems with binary computing could take centuries, quantum algorithms can do it in hours or minutes. Enterprises must prepare by understanding their IT network’s strengths and weaknesses and developing a quantum-readiness roadmap with agile and resilient cryptography.

Join Kyndryl at Nokia's Wavelengths Americas 2024, Sept. 16-18, 2024. In the session, “Quantum-Safe networks: Bridging between theory and practice,” hear how Kyndryl and Nokia help enterprises transform their IT infrastructure in the age of quantum computing.