KT (030200.KS) is leading efforts to strengthen the security of Korea's defense systems using quantum technology. The move comes as the imminent commercialization of quantum computers raises the need for technology that can prevent hacking attempts powered by such machines.
KT said Wednesday that it will apply post-quantum cryptography (PQC) to key defense systems. The initiative is part of the "2026 Post-Quantum Cryptography Pilot Transition Support Project" overseen by the Ministry of Science and ICT (MSIT) and the Korea Internet & Security Agency (KISA).
The project aims to apply and verify cryptographic technologies safe from future quantum attacks across the nation's core infrastructure. The goal is to address the structural limitations of existing public key cryptosystems amid advances in quantum computing.
Post-quantum cryptography is a next-generation encryption technology designed around mathematical problems considered difficult to solve even with quantum computers, including lattice-based problems and multivariate polynomial problems. As concerns mount that existing cryptosystems could be neutralized by quantum computers, governments and telecommunications industries around the world are accelerating the transition to PQC.
KT will carry out a PQC demonstration project with the Ministry of National Defense and the Army Information and Communication School. The company will apply PQC modules to key infrastructure segments — including smart unit platforms and user PCs, CCTVs and video storage systems, and drones and ground control systems (GCS) — and verify their performance and applicability in actual battlefield environments. The smart unit platform, which combines equipment from different manufacturers and a multi-layered network structure, is considered a critical area for PQC transition verification.
KT plans to expand PQC adoption beyond defense to public and private sectors, and to develop next-generation security service models that meet global security standards. "Post-quantum cryptography is a core technology for national cybersecurity in preparation for the upcoming quantum computing era," said Jeon Myung-jun, executive at KT. "Through this defense pilot project, we will enhance the credibility of Korea's telecommunications and security technologies and lead the way in building a safe AX environment."
