IBM and StarHub bring quantum-safe security into telco network planning

Enterprise security teams face a timing problem with quantum risk. The computers capable of breaking current encryption methods are not yet available, but encrypted data can already be intercepted and stored for future decryption if those capabilities mature.

That risk is pushing critical infrastructure operators to look beyond conventional cybersecurity controls and assess whether their encryption environments can adapt as post-quantum standards develop. For telecommunications providers, the issue is especially relevant because the sector remains a target for cyber attackers, while enterprises are looking to secure critical network infrastructure earlier by building crypto-agility into their security foundations.

IBM and StarHub have expanded their collaboration to strengthen StarHub’s quantum-safe readiness, using IBM Guardian Cryptography Manager and IBM Quantum Safe Explorer to support crypto-agility across future network environments. The initiative is being developed ahead of commercial release and will include a more crypto-agile foundation running on Red Hat Enterprise Linux.

Crypto-agility moves into network security planning

The collaboration focuses on helping StarHub identify cryptographic dependencies, assess vulnerabilities, and prepare for migration to post-quantum cryptography standards. This moves the discussion from general quantum risk to the operational work required before organisations can change encryption methods at scale.

“Harvest Now, Decrypt Later” attacks are a central concern. In such cases, adversaries intercept and store encrypted data today with the aim of decrypting it later when advanced quantum computing capabilities become available. While the required quantum computers do not yet exist, the risk is tied to data that may remain sensitive for years.

For network operators, crypto-agility is meant to reduce future migration pressure by building security foundations that can adapt as standards evolve. IBM said the work with StarHub will also support the development of security architectures aligned with evolving Singapore regulatory expectations.

StarHub extends existing IBM network work

The quantum-safe initiative builds on earlier collaboration between the two companies in automation management and service assurance. StarHub already uses IBM AIOps and IBM SevOne, while IBM watsonx.data and IBM watsonx.data.intelligence are being used to enhance service assurance.

That existing network transformation work gives the latest collaboration a clearer operational base. Instead of treating post-quantum security as a standalone project, StarHub is extending its work with IBM from observability, automation, and data capabilities into cryptographic resilience.

“Our collaboration with IBM is grounded in a shared commitment to building secure, resilient, and future-ready networks,” said Dr. Volkan Sevindik, Chief Technology Officer, StarHub. “Building on earlier work in observability and intelligent data capabilities, we are now advancing our quantum-safe readiness to prepare for increasingly complex security challenges. Crypto-agility will become an important foundation for protecting sensitive data and maintaining trust. Through this work, we aim to help customers stay ahead of emerging risks while continuing to innovate with confidence.”

Post-quantum readiness becomes a practical security task

IBM’s quantum-safe technologies are based on the company’s algorithms, which are among globally recognised post-quantum cryptography standards published by the U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology.

The expanded collaboration places StarHub’s quantum-safe work within a wider enterprise security challenge. Organisations cannot wait for mature quantum computers before reviewing where cryptography sits in their systems, how dependencies are managed, and how future standards can be adopted without disrupting critical services.

“The threat of ‘Harvest Now, Decrypt Later’ is a present-day reality for critical infrastructure,” said Catherine Lian, General Manager and Technology Leader, IBM ASEAN. “Our longstanding collaboration with StarHub is rooted in continuous operational resilience and reflects the increasing urgency for organisations to strengthen cybersecurity as post-quantum risks emerge. According to IBM’s 2026 CEO Study, cybersecurity ranks among top priorities for telecommunication leaders across the region. Through this expanded collaboration, we are supporting StarHub in strengthening long-term resilience across increasingly complex digital environments in Singapore.”