Nokia and SK Telecom want to secure IoT with quantum cryptography

SK Telecom and Nokia will collaborate on quantum random number generators that can help secure the Internet of Things. The companies will also combine a quantum key distribution system with Nokia’s optical transport system.

The Korean SK Telecom is developing an asic with a 5x5mm image sensor that serves as a quantum random number generator or qrng. The randomness is based on shot noise or shot noise: noise that is the result of variations in the number of photons detected by the sensor. The asic should be available at the end of this year.

Nokia and SK Telecom think they can use the QRng for the security of internet-of-things devices. In addition, the companies believe they can improve IoT security by combining SK Telecom’s Quantum Key Distribution System with Nokia’s optical transport system.

Both companies have been working together on this since 2016, but expect to achieve results in the second half. The distribution of cryptographic keys is an essential part of quantum technology-based secure networks. Special requirements are imposed on the optical transport of the keys, which may consist, for example, of entangled photons.

Quantum cryptography should enable virtually unbreakable security of connections, which should play a role not only in IoT, but also in defense, the financial market and connected vehicles. The security is based on the property that outside influences disrupt the quantum state of keys.