Orange Business and Toshiba Launch Quantum-Safe Networking Service in Paris
In an exciting development, Orange Business has teamed up with Toshiba Europe to introduce the first quantum-safe networking service in Paris, known as Orange Quantum Defender. This innovative service combines Toshiba’s Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) technology with Post Quantum Cryptography (PQC) to ensure robust security for data.
The Orange Quantum Defender is now available to businesses in the greater Paris area. It aims to provide ultimate protection for sensitive information against potential attacks from future quantum computers. Notably, a prominent French financial services firm has already connected several sites to this network, benefiting from its high-speed and resilient infrastructure to safeguard crucial financial data.
As quantum technologies advance, traditional methods of encrypting data are becoming vulnerable. This poses a significant threat to sectors that handle sensitive information, such as finance, public services, critical infrastructure, and healthcare. There is a risk of “store now, decrypt later” attacks, where malicious actors collect sensitive data now for later decryption with powerful quantum computers. To combat this growing concern, organizations need to enhance their security measures promptly.
The Orange Quantum Defender operates over Orange’s existing fiber network, utilizing Toshiba’s QKD technology. This solution employs a layered security strategy, blending hardware-based QKD and software-based PQC, to protect data and maintain its confidentiality in the long term. By merging these two technologies, businesses receive a comprehensive approach to data security.
Aliette Mousnier-Lompré, CEO of Orange Business, expressed enthusiasm about the launch, stating, “We are excited to introduce Orange Quantum Defender, a unique service in France. This marks a crucial advancement in our strategy for multi-layer quantum-safe networking, helping our business clients tackle the growing threats from quantum technology. With Toshiba’s strong technology, we are not just safeguarding data now but preparing for a secure future.”
This initiative is the result of extensive collaboration between Orange and Toshiba to validate QKD for commercial use. Earlier tests demonstrated the ability of Toshiba’s QKD technology to operate effectively over long distances while co-existing with regular data signals. This breakthrough not only shows the effectiveness of QKD in protecting real-time data but also indicates its ease of integration into existing fiber networks, facilitating wider adoption. The launch of this network is a significant stride in not only protecting sensitive commercial information but also supporting France’s national strategy for quantum technology.
Hiroshi Tsukino, Corporate Vice President of Toshiba Corporation, commented on the partnership, saying, “The reality of quantum technology is here, and large organizations face significant risks from powerful quantum computers. Our continued collaboration with Orange has allowed us to validate the QKD technology, and I am thrilled to introduce the first commercial solution that ensures a quantum-safe future for businesses in Paris.”
The launch of Orange Quantum Defender marks a pivotal moment in cybersecurity, particularly as the threat landscape evolves alongside technological advancements.
