Securing Tomorrow’s Networks: Quantum Key Distribution and Post-Quantum Cryptography, and the 5G Transition with Victor Hernando Fernandez

In our fourth episode of the PQ-REACT Conversations with our Experts, we break down the role of post-quantum cryptography in building resilient digital systems with Victor Hernando Fernandez from TELEFONICA.

As the leader of the work that focuses on the execution of the project’s pilots, can you walk us through the three pilot use cases of PQ-REACT? What they are, what they aim to achieve, and how they will demonstrate the project’s broader objectives

The pilots aim to evaluate the transition to post-quantum cryptography, and each focuses on a specific scenario. The first pilot is working on firmware updates in smart meters. Thanks to this pilot, we will be able to assess the impact of the transition to post-quantum cryptography may have on systems with limited resources, both in terms of memory and computing capacity. The second pilot focuses on securing 5G connections. With this pilot, we will gain insight into how the post-quantum transition affects telecommunications networks and how post-quantum cryptography performs in highly scalable environments. Finally, the third pilot focuses on enabling secure, end-to-end, customised connectivity services across multiple domains and is helping us understand the implications of using post-quantum crypto in multi-domain environments and how to assure trust across domain boundaries.

“The pilots aim to evaluate the transition to post-quantum cryptography, and each focuses on a specific scenario.”

One of PQ-REACT’s big challenges is the coexistence of Quantum Key Distribution and Post-Quantum Cryptography. What’s the rationale for including this challenge in the project?

In the context of the PQ-REACT project and the development of its pilots, we found it particularly interesting to work with these two types of quantum-safe solutions. We are interested in how they can complement each other in the scenarios we are developing, so we can understand when to use one or the other, based on the needs of each case.

Since we’ve talked about the project’s pilot use cases and challenges, can you give us the context of the Quantum Key Distribution on 5G networks pilot? What’s its aim, what outcomes do you expect, and what could be the real-world implications?

Our goal here is to evaluate the behaviour of QKD in 5G networks. The idea is to create a secure communication channel between the radio stations and the core of the network, so that communication between them, the called backhaul, is encrypted using the keys provided by the QKD system. We want to assess the performance differences between this solution and the current one, which relies on classical cryptography. In real-world applications, a solution like this could be used to encrypt communications on premises that require a high level of security, such as government buildings.

“In real-world applications, a solution like this could be used to encrypt communications on premises that require a high level of security, such as government buildings.”

From the perspective of a project that has in its name the reaction to quantum threats, what is the uptake of the solutions you are addressing in production networks?

We are currently focused on evaluating QKD as a commercially available technology to secure both our clients’ traffic and our own infrastructure. At the same time, we are examining how to progressively integrate PQC into 5G production networks, aligning its adoption with the pace at which these technologies become available and standardised.

Listen to the full discussion here.