[Edaily Reporter Kim Hyun-ah ] With the era of quantum computing rapidly approaching on the heels of artificial intelligence (AI), concerns are growing about the security of existing encryption systems. As forecasts suggest that a significant portion of the encryption technologies currently used in the financial, telecommunications, and public sectors could be rendered ineffective once quantum computers are commercialized, the race to secure next-generation security technologies is intensifying.

KTCorporation(030200)KT announced on the 21st that it had unveiled its “E2E (End-to-End) Quantum Security” concept—a future network security strategy—during a special session at the Korean Institute of Communications and Information Sciences’ Summer Comprehensive Academic Conference, held recently at the Jeju Haevichi Hotel & Resort.

During this session, Jeong Je-min, Executive Vice President of Network AI Research at KTCorporation, served as a presenter and introduced the security threats anticipated in AI and quantum computing environments, along with corresponding response strategies.

The E2E Quantum Security proposed by KTCorporation is an integrated security system that protects the entire network—from data transmission to storage, utilization, and disposal. The concept involves applying quantum security technology to the entire communications infrastructure, rather than just specific segments.

KTCorporation’s “E2E (End-to-End) Quantum Security” vision is structured around three pillars.

First, “Quantum Link” is responsible for protecting the data transmission segments connecting customers to the telecommunications network. It focuses on ensuring the security of data in transit by blocking hacking and eavesdropping attempts.

“Quantum Node” is responsible for the security of network equipment and the operating environment. It detects anomalies and potential vulnerabilities in real time across communication equipment, data centers, and cloud infrastructure.

Finally, “Quantum Vault” is a system that protects the entire lifecycle of data—from creation to storage, utilization, and deletion. It is a next-generation data security platform designed to securely manage sensitive information and critical data.

The rapidly changing cyber threat landscape is the driving force behind KTCorporation’s decision to prioritize its quantum security strategy.

Recently, AI technology has been used for attack automation and vulnerability detection, increasing the speed and sophistication of cyberattacks. The industry’s consensus is that the emergence of quantum computers could threaten the security of widely used public-key cryptosystems (such as RSA and ECC).

The security industry also views the so-called “Harvest Now, Decrypt Later” risk—where hackers collect encrypted data in advance and decrypt it once quantum computers become commercially available—as a realistic threat.

To address these changes, KTCorporation plans to establish an integrated defense system by applying quantum security technology across its transmission networks, network equipment, AI data centers, and cloud infrastructure.

In addition to quantum security, the special session also covered key topics such as security vulnerabilities in 5G and LTE mobile networks, wireless protocol attack techniques, Zero Trust-based security systems, and security strategies for telecommunications operators in the AI era.

Lee Jong-sik, Head of KTCorporation’s Future Network Lab (Executive Vice President), stated, “The nature of cyber threats is rapidly changing due to advancements in AI and quantum computing technologies,” adding, “Based on KTCorporation’s AI and quantum technology capabilities, we will enhance the stability and reliability of the national backbone network and secure competitiveness in future security technologies.”