Singapore-based telecom giant Singtel has launched the country’s first quantum-safe network, a significant move to secure identity and authentication platforms against emerging quantum computing threats. This development positions Singapore at the forefront of cybersecurity in Southeast Asia, as enterprises worldwide prepare for the potential disruption quantum computing could bring to current encryption and security protocols.
Singtel recently unveiled the National Quantum-Safe Network Plus (NQSN+), an innovative technology designed to safeguard enterprise data from future quantum computing attacks. The telecom leader is inviting businesses to trial the NQSN+ technology before full-scale adoption.
‘Though quantum computing may be in its nascent stages, it’s fast gaining velocity across critical information sectors, especially banking, healthcare, and government services, and we want to ensure Singapore is ready for it,’ stated Ng Tian Chong, CEO of Singtel Singapore. This proactive approach reflects the growing apprehension that quantum computers, once fully developed, could break existing encryption methods, leaving current authentication platforms defenceless against sophisticated cyber-attacks.
The urgency of this development is underscored by a recent KPMG survey in the US, where over 80% of enterprise leaders believe that quantum computing poses an imminent threat to existing identity and authentication protocols1. These concerns are particularly acute for operators of essential infrastructure, financial services, and organisations handling sensitive personal data, where the stakes are highest.
In response to these threats, the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) has been proactive in urging financial institutions to transition away from cryptographic algorithms vulnerable to quantum attacks. In February, MAS advised banks to adopt post-quantum cryptography solutions that could be integrated with existing IT systems and infrastructure without significant disruption.
Moreover, in July, MAS proposed allocating additional funds under its Financial Sector Technology and Innovation Grant Scheme. This funding aims to bolster quantum capabilities within the financial sector, with a focus on developing postquantum cryptography and quantum key distribution (QKD) technologies to protect critical data.
Singtel’s role in the national strategy became official in November 2023 when the Infocomm Media Development Authority selected the telecom company to develop the NQSN+ technology as part of Singapore’s 10-year Digital Connectivity Blueprint. The NQSN+ network leverages both post-quantum cryptography and QKD, ensuring that encryption keys are only accessible to intended parties. The network’s architecture relies on trusted managed services and fibre networks, creating a robust and resilient quantum key distribution system across the nation.
In a parallel development, CyberSecurity Malaysia signed an agreement with SatisGuard Malaysia to utilise the expertise of Taiwan-based Chelpis Quantum Safe Migration Centre. This collaboration aims to develop next-generation cybersecurity solutions that address quantum threats effectively, further underscoring the regional momentum towards quantumsafe technologies.
