Quantum-safe VPN to safeguard encrypted data

Highlights

Post quantum cryptography (PQC), a network security mechanism, is used in VPNs to increase encryption levels.
It is crucial to encrypt your data and use a VPN while working with sensitive data.

The concern is growing within the corporate world as to whether current widely used encryption techniques can survive the onslaught of powerful quantum computers in the future. If current cryptographic techniques become obsolete, companies must adopt new technologies, and a seamless transition occurs.

In the future, quantum computers will be able to decode these scrambled data and then use them for their own purpose. For security, a quantum-safe VPN is introduced to safeguard the data sent and received via the virtual private network.

In this blog, we will discuss a quantum-safe VPN.

Understanding Post Quantum Cryptography

What is Quantum-Safe VPN, and how useful is it?

A quantum-safe VPN is a network security measure that uses Post Quantum Cryptography (PQC) to enhance encryption levels. PQC uses unique algorithms to encode data, which makes it more difficult for quantum computers to break encryption. A quantum-safe VPN can create an encrypted tunnel between the sender and receiver. Thus, it will safeguard the data.

A quantum-safe VPN creates a higher level of protection by utilizing the critical exchange security mechanisms of the session or cryptographic ciphers. In other words, it makes it more difficult for hackers to decrypt data in the future.

Even though quantum computing could break the encryption we use to protect our data, that doesn't mean encryption is useless. Encrypting your data and using a VPN when dealing with sensitive information is still essential. The encrypted data that seems useful now might not have a value later. So, even if the current encryption standards become obsolete, you may not have much to worry about.

The need, today

Why does one need a Quantum-Safe VPN?

With data security- no wonder how many encryption layers you have, somebody will eventually find a way to breach it. This is where VPNs come into play. They don't offer impenetrable security, making it much harder for would-be attackers to intercept and read your data. Even if they can acquire encrypted data, they wouldn't be able to do anything with it unless they had the key for decrypting it. However, hackers could potentially wait for quantum computers to support them unlock the data. This would give them access to a lot of confidential data.

Exemplification

Recent Developments and cases to corroborate

On April 6, 2021, the Phio TX Model D was launched. This edge device uses quantum-safe out-of-band key delivery technology to create quantum-safe VPNs. These VPNs are designed for smaller locations and deployments.

Also, big networks that want to test quantum-safe solutions can use this economic-friendly solution. This solution provides security for data that is moving today, and it is a future-proof solution for the threat of quantum computing.

During a trial recently, Verizon tested a quantum-safe VPN to see if it could replace existing public key encryption procedures. The test was conducted by exchanging ciphers or keys between two of the private 5G networks that are located in Verizon's 5G Lab at London and its executive briefing center, which is present in Ashburn, Virginia. The trial results showed that adopting PQC early could prepare today's data from tomorrow's attacks.

Below mentioned are a few use cases of quantum-safe VPN:

Enterprise security: Quantum-safe VPN is perfect for securing your enterprise network, whether it's on-premises or remote. With Quantum-safe VPN, you can connect to any number of locations securely and efficiently.
Ship-to-shore security: Data security during long-distance transit is crucial, and quantum-safe VPNs provide an extra layer of protection. These VPNs make it virtually impossible for hackers to access sensitive information.
Watchtower communication security: A quantum-safe VPN can be used for voice and video communications with watchtowers. This type of VPN is more secure than traditional VPNs and can help keep your communications confidential.
Premises security: To avoid any risks of leaks, it's crucial to have a secure network on campus. One way to do this is to use quantum mobility in WiFi, LiFi, and other platforms. This will help keep your information safe and sound.

Quantum-safe VPN is the future of secure encrypted data transfer. While this technology is still in its infancy, it is growing fast and is definitely something to keep an eye on in the future.

This solution provides security for data that is moving today, and it is a future-proof solution for the threat of quantum computing.