The Ministry of Science and ICT, in collaboration with the Korea Internet & Security Agency (KISA), has initiated a pilot project to support the transition to post-quantum cryptography. This effort marks the first application of new encryption technology designed to withstand decryption by quantum computers in real-life scenarios.
This project aims to replace the cryptographic systems within national infrastructure to anticipate the potential collapse of existing public key-based cryptosystems due to advances in quantum computing. Through this pilot project, post-quantum cryptography is being applied in industrial settings domestically for the first time.
In the energy sector, Korea Electric Power Corporation and KDN are participating to transition the encryption system of remote metering to post-quantum cryptography, thereby enhancing the protection of electricity usage data for households nationwide and planning to expand this to the entire electricity infrastructure.
In the medical sector, led by the RaonSecure alliance, the encryption system of the electronic medical record linkage platform operated by Severance Hospital will be transitioned. This shift aims to increase the security of the cloud-based medical information brokerage platform and ensure encryption technology suitable for the healthcare environment.
In the administrative sector, the LGU+ alliance is involved in the pilot transition targeting major administrative information systems, including the national technical qualification examination system, to enhance the trustworthiness of public services through the application of this technology.
The Ministry of Science and ICT and KISA, through this pilot project, plan to develop cryptographic modules, analyze potential issues during the transition, and define the actual application procedures. A comprehensive guideline that can be used across various industries for this transition will also be prepared.
Cho Woo-hyuk, the Network Policy Director of Information Security, emphasized that transitioning to post-quantum cryptography is essential for building a digital immune system to respond to new threats. He also stated that “the government will actively support the creation of a secure digital environment.”