Migrating Telecom to Quantum-Resistant Cryptography on a Global Scale (R23c)
The mobile industry, with its unique characteristics, has been preparing for the transition to quantum-resistant cryptography for many years. As truly global standards, 4G and 5G require algorithms that are universally trusted and secure across all regions. Mobile networks are considered critical infrastructure, heavily regulated, and expected to adhere to government recommendations for migration timelines. However, performance and costs remain high priorities, which differs from national security systems. For many IoT applications, radio is the most limiting resource, making small sizes essential. Hardware like base stations has a long lifecycle, often remaining in service for decades.
Mobile networks rely heavily on IETF standards for public-key cryptography, though they have a few unique protocols. 5G and 6G standards will introduce quantum-resistant algorithms in 2027–2028, and 6G will be quantum-resistant by design. Migrating public key infrastructure (PKI) and root-of-trust for firmware and software updates is a top priority.
This talk will discuss these challenges and the industry’s plans to overcome them.