Telefónica Tech and IBM strengthen cybersecurity with quantum-safe technology to counter future threats

As the digital world rapidly evolves, so do the threats targeting sensitive information and critical infrastructure. One of the most significant looming risks to modern cybersecurity is the rise of quantum computing, a revolutionary technology capable of solving complex problems exponentially faster than today’s most advanced supercomputers. While quantum computing holds the potential to transform industries such as healthcare, finance, and logistics, it also raises a critical concern: its ability to break traditional encryption protocols, exposing valuable data to cybercriminals and malicious actors.

To combat this risk, Telefónica Tech, the digital business unit of Spanish telecommunications giant Telefónica, has entered into a strategic partnership with IBM. This collaboration is focused on integrating quantum-safe technology into Telefónica Tech’s cybersecurity risk management solutions, ensuring that businesses and public institutions have access to post-quantum cryptography that protects their most critical data.

With the rapid acceleration of quantum advancements, this initiative is a proactive step toward building quantum-resistant encryption and reinforcing long-term cybersecurity frameworks. Telefónica Tech and IBM’s collaboration is poised to set a benchmark in the industry, creating solutions that will define the next generation of cybersecurity infrastructure and help enterprises prepare for the post-quantum security era.

Why does quantum computing pose a major cybersecurity risk?

At the core of modern cybersecurity is encryption, which protects everything from financial transactions to government communications by using complex mathematical algorithms. Traditional encryption methods, such as RSA (Rivest-Shamir-Adleman) and ECC (Elliptic Curve Cryptography), rely on computational difficulty—problems that would take classical computers thousands or even millions of years to solve.

Quantum computers, however, will have the capability to break these encryption schemes in mere minutes. This ability could expose vast amounts of sensitive data, including personal banking records, corporate secrets, and government intelligence, to unauthorized access. The cybersecurity threat is heightened by the concept of “harvest now, decrypt later,” where cybercriminals steal encrypted data today with the expectation that quantum computing will allow them to decrypt it in the future. This underscores the urgency for businesses to adopt quantum-safe technology and transition to post-quantum cryptography, ensuring that even if encrypted data is stolen today, it remains secure against future quantum decryption capabilities.

How will IBM’s quantum-safe technology strengthen Telefónica Tech’s cybersecurity services?

As part of this agreement, IBM’s quantum-safe technology infrastructure has been deployed at Telefónica Tech’s headquarters in Madrid. This collaboration creates a strong foundation for the development and implementation of post-quantum cryptography solutions that will ensure cybersecurity resilience in the face of quantum-driven threats.

IBM has been a leader in post-quantum cryptography, contributing two of the three encryption algorithms selected by the U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) as the new standards for quantum-resistant cryptography. Through this partnership, Telefónica Tech will integrate IBM’s quantum-safe technology into its cybersecurity services, offering businesses enhanced protection against emerging quantum risks. IBM Guardium Quantum Safe provides organizations with the tools to identify cryptographic vulnerabilities, while IBM Guardium Key Lifecycle Manager ensures centralized and secure encryption key management. IBM Quantum Safe Explorer and IBM Quantum Safe Remediator further assist in identifying cryptographic weaknesses in existing IT infrastructures, facilitating the transition to quantum-resistant encryption.

By embedding these technologies into Telefónica Tech’s cybersecurity risk management framework, organizations can better protect their data, assess vulnerabilities, and transition to next-generation encryption standards.

What expert insights drive this strategic move?

Industry leaders emphasize the importance of post-quantum cryptography in safeguarding businesses from future cyber threats. Raquel Ruiz Lozano, Global Head of Strategic Partnerships for Telefónica Tech, highlighted the significance of this partnership, stating that quantum computing presents both incredible opportunities and substantial cybersecurity challenges. She emphasized that through this collaboration with IBM, Telefónica Tech is ensuring that its clients remain prepared for the future, equipping them with quantum-safe solutions that secure their most sensitive data from evolving threats.

Adolfo Hernández Pulido, Technology Managing Director for Telefónica at IBM, reinforced IBM’s commitment to quantum-safe technology, stressing that organizations must act now to evaluate their cryptographic infrastructure and begin transitioning to quantum-safe standards. He pointed out that IBM has been at the forefront of developing quantum-resistant technologies and expressed pride in working with Telefónica Tech to secure the future of cybersecurity.

What practical applications will emerge from this partnership?

Beyond research and development, Telefónica Tech and IBM’s partnership aims to create real-world cybersecurity solutions tailored to both private enterprises and public institutions. The collaboration will focus on key areas such as developing secure communications encryption, facilitating the transition to post-quantum cryptographic standards, and strengthening cybersecurity infrastructures to safeguard national security and corporate data.

IBM’s infrastructure has already been integrated into Telefónica Tech’s cybersecurity operations. The IBM LinuxONE system, recognized for its advanced encryption capabilities, is now part of Telefónica Tech’s security offerings, ensuring end-to-end quantum-resistant encryption for clients. This integration is designed to provide robust encryption solutions that protect against future decryption attempts by quantum computers.

As Telefónica Tech continues to integrate quantum-safe solutions, businesses will have access to cybersecurity measures that meet emerging security challenges. These solutions will help organizations adapt to new cryptographic standards, ensuring long-term cybersecurity resilience.

How will Telefónica Tech and IBM shape the future of cybersecurity?

The rise of quantum computing represents one of the most significant shifts in cybersecurity history. As enterprises, governments, and cybersecurity professionals prepare for its widespread adoption, the need for quantum-safe encryption will only grow. Telefónica Tech and IBM’s partnership marks a significant step toward ensuring that organizations remain protected in the post-quantum security era.

By embedding quantum-safe technology into its cybersecurity risk management solutions, Telefónica Tech is positioning itself as a leader in quantum-resistant encryption. IBM’s continued innovation in post-quantum cryptography further reinforces this commitment, ensuring that businesses have access to cutting-edge security solutions that can withstand future quantum threats.

The future of cybersecurity depends on the proactive adoption of post-quantum cryptography and the integration of quantum-resistant encryption into security frameworks. As quantum capabilities advance, companies that prioritize quantum-safe technology today will be best positioned to protect their data tomorrow. Telefónica Tech and IBM’s collaboration is shaping the future of cybersecurity, ensuring that digital assets remain protected—now and for decades to come.