Thales pioneers post-quantum cryptography for 5G calls
Thales has demonstrated a PQC (post-quantum cryptography) solution that protects mobile communications against the emerging threat posed by quantum computing. This world-first pilot combines the Thales Cryptosmart app and 5G SIM to deliver quantum-safe mobile calls, voice/data encryption, and authentication. Experts predict that quantum computing could become available from 2035, giving cybercriminals the ability to crack existing encryption.
© Thales
Preparing for tomorrow, today
Quantum computing has the potential to solve mathematical problems that are impossible or near-impossible using conventional computing. These include the encryption that currently ensures privacy and protection for mobile users.
Cybercriminals are already preparing for quantum by launching Harvest Now, Decode Later (HNDL) attacks, aiming to capture calls and messages today and decrypt them at some point in the future. Mobile operators therefore need to act now to protect digital infrastructure based on existing public key cryptography (PKC).
Thales’s pilot is the first real-world, quantum-protected, end-to-end mobile communications solution. It adopts a hybrid approach that combines pre- and post-quantum cryptography, as recommended by NIST, the internationally recognised standards organisation. The CRYSTALS-Kyber algorithm, also recommended by NIST for PQC, is implemented in the Thales 5G SIM and used by the Cryptosmart app to encrypt communications.