Sparkle Successfully Completes First Test of an International VPN Protected with Quantum Encryption

The trial, also supported by Telsy's specific expertise, has confirmed the first Internet Protocol secure (IPsec) tunnel between Italy and Germany with advanced quantum-safe protection methods

LONDON, May 16, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Arqit Quantum Inc. (Nasdaq: ARQQ, ARQQW) (Arqit), a leader in quantum-safe encryption, and Telecom Italia Sparkle, the first international service provider in Italy and among the top global operators, announce the successful completion of a Proof of Concept (PoC) on the first Internet Protocol secure (IPsec) tunnel between Italy and Germany using Arqit’s Symmetric Key Agreement Platform. The test was supported by Telsy, a TIM Group company specialized in cybersecurity.

The PoC showcases the integration of Quantum Arqit's technology using Symmetric Key Agreement (SKA) into Sparkle's state-of-the-art network infrastructure, ensuring enhanced encryption methods for data transmission across geographical borders.

This important step marks the creation of a software quantum-safe Virtual Private Network (VPN), standing as a pivotal moment in network security. Being software based, the SKA Platform is quickly and easily scaled across any existing telecom network ensuring that sensitive data remains protected against potential decryption by future quantum algorithms, thereby mitigating the risks associated with evolving cybersecurity threats.

Daniele Mancuso, Sparkle's Chief Marketing & Product Management Officer said: “Our state-of-the-art global network provides critical services to carriers, institutions and enterprises who choose and trust Sparkle’s leading secure connectivity services to keep their data safe. The successful completion of the quantum-safe VPN PoC, preliminary to a large-scale commercial launch, anticipates the potential threat of quantum decryption and confirms our market leading commitment to continuously elevating the security and resilience of Sparkle’s infrastructure.”

David Williams, Arqit Founder, Chairman and CEO said: “Sparkle’s establishment of the first quantum-safe VPN between Catania and Frankfurt signifies a key milestone in telecoms cybersecurity. By leveraging Arqit's SKA Platform, Sparkle is pioneering a new era of secure communication, ensuring the resilience of critical networks against the looming threat of quantum adversaries.”

About Sparkle

Sparkle is TIM Group’s Global Operator, first international service provider in Italy and among the top worldwide, offering a full range of infrastructure and global connectivity services – capacity, IP, SD-WAN, colocation, IoT connectivity, roaming and voice - to national and international Carriers, OTTs, ISPs, Media/Content Providers, and multinational enterprises. A major player in the submarine cable industry, Sparkle owns and manages a network of more than 600,000 km of fiber spanning from Europe to Africa and the Middle East, the Americas and Asia. Its sales force is active worldwide and distributed over 33 countries.