Arqit, BT, and Fortinet Launch Quantum-Safe VPN to Protect Against Evolving Cyberthreats

Arqit, BT Group and Fortinet announced the launch of a commercially available, integrated product for quantum-safe virtual private network communications using Symmetric Key Agreement. This announcement follows the successful trial of quantum-safe tunnels between three BT sites in London, Exeter, and Adastral Park in Suffolk.

The "store-now, decrypt-later" approach employed by nation-states and cyber adversaries – stockpiling encrypted data to crack it open with the advent of quantum computing – presents a significant risk to today's data and communications infrastructures. As cyberthreats evolve and become increasingly sophisticated, organisations worldwide need to ensure they can defend their data and communications against both existing and upcoming threats.

With the new joint quantum-safe VPN solution, BT customers will be able to benefit from the integration of Fortinet FortiGate Next-Generation Firewalls, powered with Arqit's NetworkSecure™ Fortinet adaptors and Arqit’s Symmetric Key Agreement Platform, a breakthrough in cyber defence designed to protect against the looming threats posed by quantum computers.

The solution provides quantum-safe symmetric keys that can be created and rotated on-demand to encrypt and protect sensitive data between point-to-point VPN links. In addition to providing protection against future quantum threats, it also delivers enhanced security against today’s man-in-the-middle attacks. General availability for this joint solution is initially for customers in the UK and EU regions.

“The urgent need for institutions globally to fortify their encryption against public key infrastructure weaknesses and the looming quantum threat to long-term data security is beyond dispute. By integrating our cloud-based software into Fortinet firewalls, combined with a BT managed service, we've made this an easy step for organisations already using Fortinet solutions. We are thrilled that our long-term partner BT is set to offer this business advantage to its customer base. Arqit is committed to enabling customers to stay ahead in this rapidly evolving threat landscape.”

“BT continues to be at the forefront of developing technologies to protect against quantum threats. Following the joint trial of quantum-safe tunnels in the U.K., we’re pleased to be able to integrate Arqit's enhanced Fortinet products into our Managed Security portfolio. We are confident this solution will help our customers as they look to upgrade their security and networks to be quantum-safe.”

“As a global leader driving the evolution of cybersecurity, Fortinet’s focus is to continually deliver top-tier innovative security solutions that address customer needs and protect them against sophisticated cyberthreats. The integration with Fortinet Fabric-Ready technology alliance partner Arqit presents a unique advantage to our joint customers, and we're pleased to extend our collaboration with BT to bring this product to their users.”

Source: Fortinet media announcement