Singtel partners Palo Alto Networks, Fortinet to enhance quantum-safe solutions

Singtel will be enhancing its quantum-safe offerings to help enterprises fortify their defenses against cyberthreats. The company will integrate post-quantum cryptography (PQC) technology, algorithms engineered to resist the computational power of attacks from quantum computers, from cybersecurity solutions providers Palo Alto Networks and Fortinet into its nationwide Quantum Safe Network (QSN).

As part of the collaboration, Palo Alto Networks will protect against quantum threats with a PQC IPSec virtual private network (Internet Protocol security VPN), using new post-quantum encryption standards established by the US National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) for secure data transmission and authentication.

Specifically, Palo Alto Networks will protect against quantum threats between office locations with the PQC IPSec VPN. The VPN will provide secure authentication and encryption across Singtel’s QSN, and protect endpoints from attacks as they transmit data over PQC VPN connections. The next-generation firewall’s post-quantum IPSec VPN will support the new Module-Lattice-Based Key-Encapsulation Mechanism Standard (ML-KEM, FIPS 203) post-quantum encryption standard from NIST. The partnership will also enable the detection of unauthorised PQC algorithm use within Singtel’s QSN.

Fortinet’s quantum-compatible solutions will integrate PQC and quantum key distribution (QKD), which is a secure method for distributing encryption keys only known between shared parties, to support the development of a secure, scalable, and commercially-viable QSN for Singtel. Singtel will leverage Fortinet’s quantum-resistant PQC software, hardware encryptors, and advanced platforms to build robust quantum-safe architectures and solutions tailored for enterprise needs.

The collaboration also extends to demonstrations of quantum-safe solutions at the Singtel FutureNow Innovation Centre. Fortinet and Singtel are also working together to define quantum-safe applications, developing industrial and government use cases that highlight the practical benefits of quantum-safe networks.

Together, these partnerships will ensure that encryption keys remain secure across diverse applications, including identity, mobility, and authentication services – creating a more resilient defense for enterprises against cyberthreats.

Keith Leong, MD, Enterprise, Singtel Singapore, said: “Quantum computing presents a significant threat to traditional encryption methods, and has the potential to disrupt our digital economy by potentially decrypting sensitive data, exposing businesses to significant risks. The addition of Palo Alto Network and Fortinet’s enhanced software solutions to our QSN ensures our enterprise customers get more industry-leading choices to secure their business against both current and future quantum threats, regardless of their hardware requirements. We encourage enterprises to take the necessary steps to secure their critical assets sooner rather than later.”

Steven Scheurmann, Regional VP of Palo Alto Networks in ASEAN said: “Quantum computing represents a revolutionary technology that promises tremendous advancements but also introduces potential risks, especially for data security. At Palo Alto Networks, we are committed to helping enterprises prepare for this future.

"By integrating our quantum-resistant VPN solutions with Singtel's Quantum-Safe Network, we're ensuring that customers can safeguard critical data against both current threats and encryption-breaking capabilities of future quantum computers. It's essential to take action today to secure tomorrow's digital landscape and we are proud to be part of Singtel's efforts to lead in this space.”

Jess Ng, Country Head, Singapore and Brunei, Fortinet said: “As quantum computing evolves, so must our approach to cybersecurity. Fortinet is proud to collaborate with Singtel to strengthen the nation’s defenses against emerging threats. By integrating post-quantum cryptography and quantum key distribution (QKD) into Singtel’s Quantum-Safe Network, building hybrid architecture, and leveraging quantum-safe solutions, we are helping enterprises stay ahead of future risks. Through the development of industrial and government use cases, we are committed to building a foundation for a more resilient and secure digital future.”

The news follows the Singapore Infocomm Media Development Authority’s appointment last year to develop a nationwide QSN to fortify Singapore’s resilience against quantum threats. Singtel announced it would launch the nation’s first QSN with quantum-safe cryptographic solutions provider ID Quantique (IDQ) in November 2023, and launched the QSN in August 2024.

IDQ recently released a comprehensive and field-proven quantum-safe key exchange platform, Clarion KX, to manage hybrid cryptography on the network and facilitate large scale deployments of integrated quantum-safe networks. By hybridising PQC algorithm-based encryption and quantum physics-based communication security, Clarion KX ensures secure quantum key distribution across Singtel’s QSN locations and provides enterprises with a cost-effective solution for long-term quantum-resilience of their core networks, Singtel said.

Earlier this year, Singtel also signed three memoranda of understanding with Cisco, Fortinet, and Nokia, so enterprises can easily deploy Cisco's routing platform, Fortinet's firewalls and Nokia's optical devices to boost their defences against advanced cyberthreats.

Singtel’s QSN is part of its domestic network offerings which are engineered to secure business-critical data and provide enhanced security for the data network and flexibility as a managed service.