Network engineers are keeping a watchful eye on the downside of quantum computer development: emergence of a cryptographically relevant quantum computer (CRQC). This machine, theorized for years, will render widely used asymmetric cryptography useless. While quantum key distribution (QKD) and Post Quantum Cryptography (PQC) are emerging solutions holding future promise, operators need to act today, using symmetric ciphers in the lower network layers. This will provide protection against harvest-now, decrypt-later attacks and also form a foundation of an evolving Quantum-Safe Network.

What can be done immediately? We discussed symmetric encryption at the optical layer (ie: OTNSec) in other Geant sessions. In this webinar, we highlight use of quantum-safe symmetric encryption at the IP layer through IPsec, MACsec, and ANYsec

This webinar will offer practical use cases that RENs can deploy today as part of their evolving plan to protect their networks against the quantum threat.