Vodafone and IBM work to future-proof smartphone security with quantum-safe cryptography

Vodafone and IBM announced a collaboration aimed at protecting customers and their data from future risks related to quantum computers when browsing the Internet on their smartphones.

The companies have developed a new proof of concept using the IBM Quantum Safe technology to enhance Vodafone Secure Net, Vodafone’s popular mobile all-in-one digital security service used by millions of customers, to protect against anticipated quantum security risks. Available in several countries across Europe, Vodafone Secure Net protects users against phishing, malware, and identity thefts on Vodafone’s fixed and mobile networks.

In this feasibility test, Vodafone is using IBM Quantum Safe technology to implement new post-quantum cryptography standards to the existing encryption methods used by Vodafone Secure Net. Vodafone and IBM have demonstrated the new proof of concept with support from Akamai Technologies, the cybersecurity and cloud computing company, at the major industry trade show, Mobile World Congress (MWC25), in Barcelona, Spain.

Vodafone is looking to introduce new, attack-resistant cryptographic algorithms across its networks, as well as business and consumer products. Future-proofing Vodafone Secure Net complements the work Vodafone and IBM are doing at the industry level to promote the adoption of post-quantum cryptography standards and other security best practices in a future of advanced quantum computing.

Luke Ibbetson, Head of Research & Development, Vodafone, said: “We want our customers to enjoy the internet without worry, now and in the future. On the one hand quantum computing could have many societal benefits such as modeling new medicines and optimizing advanced digital networks. But on the other hand, it could be used to undermine the cryptographic principles that the Internet relies on today. That is why Vodafone and IBM are working together with other partners to get ahead of the curve.”

Lory Thorpe, Quantum Safe Industry Lead, IBM, added: “As a pioneer in quantum-safe cryptography and solutions, IBM is proud to expand our collaboration with Vodafone to help protect its customers from anticipated quantum risks. It’s crucial for organizations to implement post-quantum cryptography, and Vodafone has led by example as an early adopter of post-quantum security solutions.”

Someday, future cryptographically relevant quantum computers could be used to break today’s Internet encryption techniques. While this risk may still be years away, cybercriminals are using “harvest now, decrypt later” attacks to harvest and store data for later decryption. Recognizing this risk, in 2024, IBM’s cryptography researchers co-developed two algorithms which were published as part of the U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology’s (NIST) first three post-quantum cryptography standards.