SPTel, a joint venture of ST Engineering and SP Group, has unveiled its new Quantum Safe Services. This innovation enhances their National Quantum Safe Network Plus (NQSN+) solution, promising to fortify data transmission for various sectors against emerging quantum threats.

Appointed by the Infocomm Media Development Authority of Singapore in November 2023, SPTel and quantum communications pioneer SpeQtral have been tasked with developing the nation’s first quantum-safe network, NQSN+. This network is set to protect data for public and private organizations, particularly in healthcare and financial services.

SPTel’s ultra-low latency network integrates quantum encryption products from ST Engineering, Nokia, and Fortinet. This provides a robust security architecture, ensuring seamless integration of quantum security into existing infrastructures with minimal disruption.

The Quantum Safe Services are designed for compatibility with current IT systems, offering a scalable, plug-and-play model. Available as part of SPTel’s QKD as-a-service offering, it eliminates the need for organizations to manage their own QKD-enabled equipment, enabling quick deployment of quantum-safe solutions.

Comprehensive Security Across All Network Layers

SPTel’s Quantum Safe Services secure data at multiple network layers:

• Physical Layer Security with Nokia’s DWDM with Encryption: Nokia’s DWDM platform includes built-in quantum-safe encryption, allowing organizations to secure high-bandwidth traffic, such as 100G/400G, between data centers.
• Data Link Layer Security with ST Engineering’s Encryptor: This encryptor securely bridges LAN networks across different sites in Singapore, integrating seamlessly with existing LAN environments through SPTel’s Metro Ethernet service.
• Network Layer Security with Fortinet’s FortiGate Next-Generation Firewall with Encryption: Fortinet’s firewall, combined with SPTel’s Internet and IPVPN service, delivers quantum encryption and provides a comprehensive range of security services to counter known and emerging AI-based threats.

“While quantum computers have not yet become mainstream, the threat of ‘harvest now, decrypt later’ cyberattacks is a significant concern. Organisations managing sensitive and confidential data need to start securing their networks against potential quantum attacks. Through our strategic partnerships with ST Engineering, Nokia and Fortinet, we can access advanced capabilities in quantum encryption technologies supported by our ultra-low latency network, to offer organisations a reliable turnkey QKD solution to help them rapidly fortify their security architecture cost-effectively,” said Titus Yong, CEO of SPTel.

Goh Eng Choon, President of Cyber at ST Engineering, added, “ST Engineering has been strengthening our cybersecurity capabilities and portfolio with cutting-edge technology and solutions to help organisations tackle the challenges posed by a dynamic cyber threat landscape. We are pleased to further our partnership with SPTel to bring forth advanced quantum cryptography to the broader market to support Singapore’s quantum-safe vision.”

Stuart Hendry, Head of Enterprise and Partner Sales for Asia Pacific, Network Infrastructure at Nokia, noted, “We’re committed to our partnership with SPTel to deliver Quantum-Safe networks via optical networking technology. Our low latency and highly performant optical encryption is built into our industry leading optical portfolio and will enable SPTel to offer Quantum-Safe high-capacity transport services. This will allow them to offer advanced Quantum-Safe solutions today to better compete in the finance, healthcare, government, and enterprise sectors.”

Jess Ng, Country Head for Singapore and Brunei at Fortinet, emphasized, “Fortinet is committed to advancing quantum-safe cybersecurity solutions. Our collaboration with SPTel integrates FortiGate next-generation firewalls within SPTel’s NQSN+ service offering, fortifying the defences of critical industries in Singapore. This partnership leverages our cutting-edge technology to enhance network resilience, ensuring organizations are prepared for future cybersecurity challenges. Together, we are setting a new standard in accessible and scalable quantum security.”