Amidst rising cyber security threats, SKT provides a high level of security through the development of quantum cryptography-based VPN technology.

SK Telecom announced on the 17th that it has completed the development of quantum cryptography-based Virtual Private Network (VPN) technology with IDQ, a subsidiary of SK Square, and Xgate, a network security equipment company. It plans to launch a commercial service in the second half of the year.

VPN is a technology used for data protection in corporate networks. Its advantage lies in its lower cost compared to building a separate dedicated network, but VPNs require the addition of encryption and decryption processes during data transmission and reception.

SKT developed a quantum cryptography-based VPN by integrating IDQ's QRNG (Quantum Random Number Generator) chipset with Xgate's VPN server equipment. It improved security by utilizing quantum random number generation technology in existing encryption methods, which are vulnerable to hacking risks from quantum computing.

In addition, it is implemented by applying QRNG chipsets to Xgate's VPN equipment, so no separate additional equipment is required beyond what is needed for existing VPN usage. The monthly fee is also the same as existing VPNs.

Meanwhile, SKT, together with SK Shields and Xgate, plans to actively expand into markets focused on industries requiring high levels of security due to the handling of sensitive information, such as national defense, public services, and finance.

SKT CDO Ha Min-yong stated, “By applying quantum cryptography technology to VPNs that support secure communication for enterprises and institutions, we have developed a service with a high level of security that can be utilized even in the era of quantum computing,” adding, “We will actively target the domestic security market in industries requiring high security, such as the public, defense, and financial sectors, in cooperation with SK Shields, Xgate, and others.”