Telefónica Tech and IBM sign a collaboration agreement for quantum-safe technology

Core Insights - Telefónica Tech and IBM have entered a collaboration agreement to develop security solutions addressing challenges posed by future quantum computers [1][6][9] - The partnership aims to integrate IBM's quantum-safe technology with Telefónica Tech's cybersecurity services to protect organizations from potential data vulnerabilities [6][10] Group 1: Quantum Computing and Security Challenges - Quantum computing presents opportunities for advanced calculations but also poses significant cybersecurity challenges as traditional encryption may become vulnerable [3][8] - Data may already be at risk of being harvested by cybercriminals for future decryption, even before cryptographically relevant quantum computers are available [3] Group 2: IBM's Quantum-Safe Technology - IBM has developed enterprise software focused on quantum safety, including IBM Guardium Quantum Safe, which helps organizations manage cryptography and improve security posture [4][5] - The technology includes tools for discovering cryptographic vulnerabilities and testing quantum-safe algorithm performance [5] Group 3: Implementation and Collaboration - The collaboration will focus on creating solutions that adhere to new quantum-safe cryptography standards defined by the U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) [7][10] - IBM's infrastructure has been deployed at Telefónica's headquarters in Madrid to support business development aimed at enhancing cyber resiliency against future quantum threats [9][12] Group 4: Future Directions - The agreement includes the establishment of a joint use case office to focus on communications encryption and adaptation to new secure algorithms [11] - Telefónica Tech will assist organizations in transitioning to new cryptographic standards to ensure resilience against cybersecurity risks posed by quantum computing [10]