As network security threats grow amid AI-based cyberattacks and the spread of Quantum Computing, KT unveiled a future security plan to apply quantum security technology across its communications network.
KT said on the 21st that it unveiled its future network security plan, "E2E Quantum Security," to respond to changes in the AI and quantum technology environment in a special session of the Summer Conference of the Korean Institute of Communications and Information Sciences.
The event is an academic conference where industry, academia, and research experts share the latest ICT research results and innovative technologies. This year it was held from the 17th to the 19th, and at KT's special session, Senior Vice President Jeong Je-min, head of KT Network AI Research, gave a presentation.
In the presentation, KT said AI technology is being used for vulnerability detection and attack automation, and that autonomously evolving attack methods are changing the existing network security paradigm.
It also emphasized that advances in Quantum Computing technology could undermine the safety of existing public key cryptography. In a public key cryptography system, anyone can encrypt data, but only specific users can decrypt it. Previously, even if a hacker stole encrypted data, it could not be deciphered, but with a quantum computer, decryption may be possible.
To prepare for these threats, KT presented its "E2E Quantum Security" strategy. It is KT's future network security plan to apply quantum technology not only to data transmission paths but also across key infrastructure such as network equipment, AI data centers, and the cloud.
E2E Quantum Security consists of three technological pillars: "Quantum Link," which protects the data transmission section between customers and the communications network; "Quantum Node," which protects network equipment and operations by detecting vulnerabilities and anomalies; and "Quantum Vault," which protects the entire lifecycle of data from creation to storage, use, and deletion.
Through this architecture, KT plans to establish an integrated protection system for transmission sections, network equipment, and data domains. The goal is to speed up cyberattack detection and response and maintain network and data security even in a Quantum Computing environment.
The special session also discussed security issues related to network operations. Topics included security vulnerabilities and wireless attack techniques in 5G and LTE mobile environments; security issues in the device, wireless protocol, and service configuration processes; zero trust-based security frameworks; and security strategies for telecom operators in the AI era.
Executive Vice President Lee Jong-sik, head of KT Future Network Lab, said, "This special session was a meaningful opportunity to share AI-based security technologies to counter increasingly sophisticated cyberattacks and KT's future network security plan," adding, "KT will continue to strengthen the stability and reliability of future networks based on our AI and quantum technology capabilities."