Security News > 2021 > August > How safe is a quantum-safe virtual private network?
Verizon said it is testing how a quantum-safe virtual private network can enhance the protection of data now in order to thwart hackers in the future.
"Theoretically, hackers could capture data riding on networks today and store it until quantum computers have the power to break the encryption. It's a little like stealing a bank safe today and holding on to it until someone discovers how to pick the lock,'' the carrier said in a statement. Verizon and others believe the key to safeguarding information will be a quantum-safe VPN.".
In a recent trial, Verizon successfully tested how a quantum-safe VPN can replace the current public key encryption methods to establish encryption keys using post-quantum cryptography.
"Verizon continues to innovate and test new quantum technologies because now is the time to assess risks of security breaches and develop mitigation strategies to ensure safe networks and communications in the future for consumers and enterprises," said Jean McManus, executive director of applied research at Verizon, in a statement.
In the trial, live video was captured outside of three Verizon locations in the D.C. area, the Washington, D.C. Executive Briefing Center, the 5G Lab in D.C and Verizon's Executive Briefing Center in Ashburn, the company said.
Using a QKD network, quantum keys were created and exchanged over a fiber network between Verizon locations.