KT will apply post-quantum cryptography (PQC) to key defense systems.
KT said on the 19th that it will carry out a proof-of-concept project for the Ministry of National Defense and the Army Information and Communications School through the "2026 post-quantum cryptography pilot transition support project" led by the Ministry of Science and ICT and the Korea Internet & Security Agency (KISA).
Post-quantum cryptography is a next-generation encryption technology designed on mathematical problems that are difficult to solve even with quantum computers. As concerns grow that advances in quantum computing could neutralize existing public-key cryptosystems, the need for transition is increasing, centered on national critical infrastructure.
KT formed a consortium with Daeyoung S-Tec and ESE to apply post-quantum cryptography modules to major segments including the smart unit platform and user PCs, CCTVs and network video recorders (NVRs), drones and ground control systems (GCS), and 5G routers and core networks. It plans to verify performance and applicability in real battlefield environments and confirm security across the full lifecycle of defense data from creation to transmission, storage, and use.
KT has previously carried out projects such as interoperability proof-of-concept for heterogeneous quantum cryptography communications between Seoul and Busan, Shinhan Bank's hybrid quantum secure network, and the National Cancer Center's AI medical data quantum encryption project. Using this defense field demonstration as a starting point, the company plans to expand the scope of quantum security adoption to public, financial, and private sectors.
Recently in the global security industry, the risk of "harvest now, decrypt later," in which currently encrypted data is stolen in advance and later decrypted with quantum computers, is being cited as a major challenge. This also underlies why major countries including the United States are pursuing standardization and transition road maps for post-quantum cryptography.
Jeon Myeong-jun, head of KT's Enterprise Service Division, said, "Post-quantum cryptography is a core technology for national cyber defense in preparation for the coming quantum computing era," adding, "Through the pilot project in the defense sector, we will enhance the reliability of Korea's telecommunications and security technologies and take the lead in building a secure AX environment."