Bezeq and HEQA Security, an Israeli cybersecurity vendor specializing in securing data communication with quantum-safe encryption, have signed an agreement in anticipation of emerging cyber threats that will arise with the growth of quantum networking.
As part of the effort to address future quantum hacking threats, both companies will fortify Bezeq's fiber network to become what it calls “quantum secure.”
Through this partnership, Bezeq will deploy an encryption key distribution network, positioning it as the first Israeli telecom to fortify its infrastructure against the burgeoning threat of quantum cyber-attacks. These advanced cyber threats pose significant risks to critical sectors, including finance, healthcare, and defense, underlining the urgency of preemptive security measures.
“Bezeq is taking a head start on its preparedness for the quantum age - an approach that led to the collaboration with HEQA Security,” said Meni Baruch, CTIO and VP of Engineering for Bezeq. “Together, we are working on a multi-year plan for collaboration between the two companies."
Quantum key distribution (QKD) has emerged as a critical weapon in the battle against quantum cyber threats. It offers security for data transmission across fiber optic networks by rendering them impervious to all known and future cyber threats, including those from quantum computing.
QKD is an optical technology that leverages the quantum states of photons of light to transmit a secret key between two parties, enabling them to encrypt and decrypt data securely. One of the critical features of the technology is its ability to detect and mitigate interception.
"QKD is a revolutionary technology providing communication security using principles of quantum physics,” said Nir Bar-Lev, CEO of HEQA Security. “Considered the most effective and secure technology to address cyber attacks, it breaks the endless cycle of cryptographic cat and mouse game between hackers and security measures.
The timing for this type of collaboration is on target. A 2023 IBM research paper found that the direct costs of $4.5 million per cyber breach to US organizations in 2021 contributed to $6 trillion in damages from cyber incidents that year.
Containing threats is becoming even more pressing as quantum computing continues to advance. Cybersecurity experts warn of the looming vulnerability of current encryption methods, which could potentially expose all data communications.
The Jointness Group, a telecom services and infrastructure specialist, facilitated this collaboration.
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