Verizon claims its new VPN can withstand attacks from quantum computers
Verizon’s upcoming VPN tech relies on post-quantum cryptography ciphers
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
Verizonis testing a new “quantum-safe"VPN, which it hopes is resilient enough to withstand the onslaught of quantum computers, which could neuter current cryptography with their immense computing prowess.
As quantum computers inch ever closer towards reality, researchers around the world are designingpost-quantum algorithmsand hardware that they hope will be able to stand against the seemingly unlimited computing performance promised by the new technology.
Verizon has now jumped on the bandwagon by trialing a tool it hopes one day can oppose quantum computer’s potential for breaking today’spublic key encryptionciphers.
We’re looking at how our readers use VPNs with streaming sites like Netflix so we can improve our content and offer better advice. This survey won’t take more than 60 seconds of your time, and we’d hugely appreciate if you’d share your experiences with us.
Click here to start the survey in a new window«
“This technology uses session key exchange security mechanisms orcryptographic ciphersthat can provide a higher level of protection. Essentially, it’s a solution that enhances encryption methodologies today in order to make them even more difficult to hack tomorrow,”explains Verizon.
Post-quantum computing
Verizon’s quantum-safe VPN relies on encryption keys that were generated thanks to post-quantum cryptography methods.
In the trial, Verizon used its quantum-safe VPN between one of its labs in London, and a US-based center in Ashburn, Virginia.
While VPNs have always been popular for their privacy enhancing features, they have off-late become an essential component in the IT stack of today’s increasinglyremote workforce, which relies on it tosecurely access remotecorporate resources.
Are you a pro? Subscribe to our newsletter
Sign up to the TechRadar Pro newsletter to get all the top news, opinion, features and guidance your business needs to succeed!
As Verizon explains, VPN is based on cryptography protocols that though are very secure, can be cracked with incredible amounts of compute. Although the process is currently infeasible, it won’t be much of a challenge for a quantum computer.
“A lot of secure communications rely on algorithms which have been very successful in offering secure cryptography keys for decades. But there is enough research out there saying that these can be broken when there is a quantum computer available at a certain capacity,” Venkata Josyula, the director of technology at Verizon, tellsZDNet.
Josyula adds that the company hopes that their quantum-safe VPN will eventually be able to ensure the integrity of the connection even in the post-quantum era.
ViaZDNet
With almost two decades of writing and reporting on Linux, Mayank Sharma would like everyone to think he’sTechRadar Pro’sexpert on the topic. Of course, he’s just as interested in other computing topics, particularly cybersecurity, cloud, containers, and coding.
3 reasons why PIA fell in our best VPN rankings
Is it still worth using Proton VPN Free?
From Dishonored to Mafia: Definitive Edition, some of my favorite games are free right now for Amazon Prime members
