Data Centers Getting Secure Connections via Quantum

BT Group, Equinix and Toshiba have announced plans to provide quantum secure connectivity between Equinix data centers in London and Slough to protect organizations’ data against future quantum attacks.

Equinix data center customers would be able to connect to BT Group and Toshiba’s quantum-secured metro network and trial the transmission of data protected using quantum key distribution (QKD).

The dedicated quantum secure connectivity service plans to offer multi-user access connecting data centers located 30 miles apart in the London Canary Wharf financial services district and the Slough business hub.

This U.K. first would enable organizations to trial “quantum keys-as-a-service” making a step towards making quantum-secured communications more accessible.

The urgency of quantum-secure communications is underscored by the advancing capabilities of quantum computers. Traditional encryption methods are at risk of becoming obsolete as quantum computing potentially threatens to break current cryptographic techniques.

The risk of “harvest today, decrypt later” attacks, where encrypted data could be decrypted by future quantum computers, makes robust quantum-secure solutions crucial.

“Our partnership with Toshiba has already seen us build the world’s first commercial trial of a quantum-secured metro network in London and today marks an important milestone in our journey towards accelerating the commercialization of quantum-secure connectivity,” said BT Group chief security and networks officer Howard Watson.

Related:NIST Releases Post-Quantum Cryptography Algorithms – Industry Reacts

“With quantum technologies moving at an incredible speed, we continue to explore and test the practical technologies emerging from this highly innovative field to secure the U.K’.s digital infrastructure against future quantum threats.”

QKD-based security uses the principles of quantum mechanics to ensure that any eavesdropping is detectable and thus prevented. Unlike classical encryption methods, which rely on computational assumptions and are potentially vulnerable to future technological advances, QKD is grounded in the fundamental laws of physics, providing a level of security that is theoretically unbreakable.

“Equinix is committed to making investments in futureproof secure connectivity and hosting, for our customers today and well into the future,” said Equinix managing director U.K. Bruce Owen.

“We understand just how complex today’s digital challenges can be, which is why we are pioneering the democratization of quantum secure communications, making it accessible as a service to thousands of businesses worldwide. This collaboration with BT Group and Toshiba is a welcome opportunity to enhance our customers’ access to innovation that will build resiliency in the quantum computing era.”

Related:Financial Firms Advised to Prepare for ‘Q-Day’ Cybersecurity Risk

This initiative sets a precedent for quantum-secure connectivity in the U.K. and represents a step toward making advanced data protection accessible to a wider range of businesses.

“Our collaboration with BT Group and Equinix is a critical next step on our shared journey to commercialize QKD services in the U.K., bringing quantum-secure communications to more organizations,” said Hiroshi Tsukino, corporate officer and corporate vice president of Toshiba Corporation, and vice president of the ICT solutions division at Toshiba Digital Solutions.

“We are focused on ensuring all businesses are provided with the opportunity to protect their data from retrospective attacks with a quantum computer. Together we are building the ultra-secure networks that will be the bedrock for the future quantum internet.”