IBM and StarHub have announced an expanded collaboration to advance quantum-safe security capabilities for Singapore’s telecommunications sector, deploying IBM Guardian Cryptography Manager and IBM Quantum Safe Explorer to prepare for emerging post-quantum cryptographic threats.

The initiative addresses a threat that is present today even before quantum computers reach maturity: adversaries are already deploying “Harvest Now, Decrypt Later” strategies — intercepting and storing encrypted data now with the intent to decrypt it once quantum technology matures. Telecommunications operators, which handle vast volumes of sensitive communications and infrastructure data, are considered high-value targets for this type of attack.

Crypto-Agility as a Strategic Foundation

As part of the collaboration, IBM will support StarHub in establishing a crypto-agile security foundation operating on Red Hat Enterprise Linux. The technologies are designed to help organisations discover cryptographic dependencies, assess vulnerabilities and prepare for migration to post-quantum cryptography standards endorsed by the US National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST).

“The threat of ‘Harvest Now, Decrypt Later’ is a present-day reality for critical infrastructure,” said Catherine Lian, General Manager and Technology Leader, IBM ASEAN. “According to IBM’s 2026 CEO Study, cybersecurity ranks among top priorities for telecommunication leaders across the region. Through this expanded collaboration, we are supporting StarHub in strengthening long-term resilience across increasingly complex digital environments in Singapore.”

Building on an Existing AI and Automation Partnership

The quantum-safe initiative extends a broader technology partnership. StarHub already leverages IBM AIOps, IBM SevOne and the watsonx data platform for network transformation, automation and AI-led operations. The addition of quantum-safe capabilities reflects a strategic shift in how Singapore enterprises are approaching cybersecurity — treating it as a long-term trust imperative rather than a compliance checkbox.

“Building on earlier work in observability and intelligent data capabilities, we are now advancing our quantum-safe readiness to prepare for increasingly complex security challenges,” said Dr Volkan Sevindik, Chief Technology Officer at StarHub. “Crypto-agility will become an important foundation for protecting sensitive data and maintaining trust.”

The announcement comes as the Cyber Security Agency of Singapore (CSA) has urged Critical Information Infrastructure boards — including telecommunications operators — to strengthen defences against sophisticated, AI-driven threats. IBM’s quantum-safe technologies are based on algorithms that are among the globally recognised post-quantum cryptography standards published by NIST.