Vodafone and IBM Collaborate on Quantum Smartphone Security

Vodafone and IBM announced a collaboration aimed at protecting customers and their data from future risks related to quantum computers when browsing the Internet on their smartphones. The companies have developed a new proof of concept using the IBM Quantum Safe technology to enhance Vodafone Secure Net, Vodafone’s popular mobile all-in-one digital security service used by millions of customers, to protect against anticipated quantum security risks.

Available in several countries across Europe, Vodafone Secure Net protects users against phishing, malware, and identity theft on Vodafone’s fixed and mobile networks. In this feasibility test, Vodafone is using IBM Quantum Safe technology to implement new post-quantum cryptography standards to the existing encryption methods used by Vodafone Secure Net. Vodafone and IBM are demonstrating the new proof of concept with support from Akamai Technologies, the cybersecurity and cloud computing company, at the MWC25 in Barcelona.

Vodafone is looking to introduce new, attack-resistant cryptographic algorithms across its networks, as well as business and consumer products. Future-proofing Vodafone Secure Net complements the work Vodafone and IBM are doing at the industry level to promote the adoption of post-quantum cryptography standards and other security best practices in the future of advanced quantum computing.

Someday, future cryptographically relevant quantum computers could be used to break today’s Internet encryption techniques. While this risk may still be years away, cybercriminals are using “harvest now, decrypt later” attacks to harvest and store data for later decryption. Recognizing this risk, in 2024, IBM’s cryptography researchers co-developed two algorithms that were published as part of the US National Institute of Standards and Technology’s (NIST) first three post-quantum cryptography standards.

In addition, Vodafone became one of the first companies to successfully test IBM Quantum Safe technology to identify and inventory cryptography in its network infrastructure and systems. Through the new proof of concept based on the IBM Quantum Safe technology, the company is leading the charge in implementing current post-quantum cryptography standards from NIST. Vodafone and IBM are also founding members of the GSMA’s Post-Quantum Telco Network Task Force, an industry working group founded in 2022 that has grown to include more than 50 telecom companies and 20 major operators across the industry.