Telefónica Tech, the digital arm of the Spanish telecommunications company Telefónica, has collaborated with IBM, a leader in quantum-safe cryptographic solutions, to create advanced security technologies for mitigating the risks associated with the coming cryptographic capabilities of quantum computing.
Integrating IBM’s cutting-edge quantum-safe technologies into Telefónica Tech’s service portfolio is expected to enhance the proactive risk assessment capabilities of Telefónica’s cybersecurity professionals and enable organizations to identify and mitigate cryptographic vulnerabilities in their systems more effectively.
As quantum computing progresses, it allows significant advancements in computational power, but simultaneously, substantial challenges also arise for data security, specifically regarding the vulnerability of existing encryption algorithms.
Till now, cryptographically relevant quantum computers are not yet operational, data is already at risk of being intercepted for future decryption by cyber adversaries.
In this collaboration, Telefónica Tech’s extensive capabilities leverage IBM’s quantum-safe technologies in providing managed and professional cybersecurity services. Together, they will engineer solutions tailored to safeguard vital organizational data against potential decryption by quantum computers by adopting new quantum-safe cryptographic standards as defined by the U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). Notably, IBM has played a significant role in the development of two out of the three algorithms recently recognized as post-quantum cryptography standards.
Raquel Ruiz Lozano, Global Head of Strategic Partnerships for Telefónica Tech, states: “Quantum computing offers incredible opportunities, but it could also pose a significant challenge in terms of cybersecurity. This collaboration agreement with IBM allows us to continue to help address the potential risks of the post-quantum world, thanks to its IBM’s quantum safe technology, and to offer our clients solutions to help protect their critical data and face this transformation with security and confidence.”
Also Read: CoreWeave and IBM Collaborate to Launch AI Supercomputer for IBM Granite ModelAdolfo Hernández Pulido, Technology Managing Director for Telefónica at IBM, highlights: “It is critical for organizations to begin evaluating their cryptography and planning a transition to quantum-safe standards. At IBM, we are proud not only to have had a hand in the development of new post-quantum cryptography algorithms, but also to be leading the way with new quantum-safe technologies and services. We are thrilled to sign this collaboration agreement with Telefónica Tech focused on quantum safe technology.”
In alignment with this agreement, Telefónica Tech will also support organizations transitioning to newly established cryptographic standards, ensuring they are well-equipped to handle the cybersecurity risks presented by quantum computing, including the adoption of next-generation quantum-safe encryption technologies.
The partnership will establish a joint use case office, concentrating on essential areas such as communications encryption, adaptation to secure algorithms, and safeguarding critical environments. Also the IBM’s infrastructure has already been deployed at Telefónica’s headquarters, located in Distrito Telefónica (Madrid, Spain), to promote business development.
