Quantum-resistant cryptography, responding to quantum computer security threats
U+ Signs MOU with Seoul National University and Crypto Lab for Quantum-Resistant Cryptography
5G security to be enhanced using quantum-resistant cryptography


Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC) is a cryptographic technology capable of countering security threats from quantum computers, utilizing encryption methods that employ difficult mathematical problems that cannot be solved even by the computational power of quantum computers.

▲ LG Uplus signed an MOU with Seoul National University’s Center for Industrial Mathematics and Crypto Lab in the field of wired and wireless quantum-resistant cryptography (Photo = LG Uplus)

LG Uplus signed a 'business agreement in the field of wired and wireless quantum-resistant cryptography' with the Seoul National University Center for Industrial Mathematics and Crypto Lab on the 19th.

Quantum-resistant cryptography technology does not require the construction of a separate network infrastructure for cryptographic key distribution. Accordingly, it is characterized by its ability to be flexibly applied to various segments of wired and wireless networks that require encryption.

Under this agreement, LG Uplus, Seoul National University, and Crypto Lab will cooperate on: ▲analysis of network security vulnerabilities and research on quantum-resistant cryptographic algorithms in the era of quantum computing; ▲algorithm implementation and software development; and ▲development of optimal security network structures and equipment through the provision of test environments.

We plan to further develop quantum-resistant cryptography technology so that it can be applied to next-generation wired and wireless networks and 5G services where a vast amount of data, such as IoT and big data, is exchanged.

Park Song-cheol, Executive Vice President and Head of the Network Technology Operations Group at LG Uplus, said, “Through this collaboration, we will be able to secure the reliability of 5G networks against security threats in the upcoming era of quantum computing,” adding, “We will continue security cooperation with leading domestic researchers, such as those at Seoul National University, to provide telecommunication services that customers can use with peace of mind.”

Professor Cheon Jeong-hee, Director of the Center for Industrial Mathematics at Seoul National University and CEO of Crypto Lab, stated, “Once quantum computers are commercialized, existing encryption algorithms that were difficult to crack even after decades will be solved within minutes, making the introduction of quantum-resistant cryptography technology urgent.” She added, “Through technological cooperation with LG Uplus, I will contribute to the advancement of domestic quantum-resistant cryptography technology.”

Meanwhile, the Center for Industrial Mathematics at Seoul National University was the only Korean institution to advance to the second round of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)'s quantum-resistant cryptography standard competition by jointly proposing an algorithm with an overseas research team. Additionally, the algorithm proposed in Korea was adopted as a domestic quantum-resistant cryptography standard by the Korea Information and Communications Technology Association (TTA).