In a strategic move to future-proof its digital infrastructure, Saudi Arabia’s stc group has announced an expanded collaboration with IBM to prepare the Kingdom’s telecommunications sector for the post-quantum era. The partnership will see the telecom giant leverage IBM’s quantum-safe cybersecurity solutions to analyze and fortify its data protection and encryption protocols against sophisticated future threats.
A Framework for Quantum Resilience
At the core of the collaboration is the establishment of a quantum-safe framework designed to proactively identify and mitigate cryptographic risks. This initiative addresses the looming challenge of large-scale quantum computing, which could one day render current encryption systems obsolete.
By integrating advanced cryptographic tools, quantum-safe protocols, and robust governance aligned with US National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) standards, the framework embeds security by design. This approach aims to build cryptographic agility, securing stc’s networks and its vast subscriber ecosystem and positioning the group as a resilient and trusted leader in the emerging post-quantum landscape.
“We are fast approaching an era of progress and transformation: one in which the rapid adoption of quantum technologies presents businesses and organizations with new opportunities and challenges,” said Abdulaziz A. Alaqil, CSDM Excellence & Engineering GM at stc group. “Our collaboration with IBM is focused on future-proofing our digital ecosystem and the clients we serve, ensuring we are equipped with the most comprehensive quantum-safe solutions available.”
Bolstering Saudi’s Vision 2030
This collaboration underscores a shared commitment to safeguarding Saudi Arabia’s cybersecurity capabilities. It marks a significant step in strengthening the Kingdom’s digital resilience as the nation actively invests in quantum infrastructure, talent, and policy development in alignment with its Vision 2030 goals.
“Our work with stc can be traced back several years, and we are delighted to have collaborated with the telecoms operator again, now to advance the Saudi telecommunications sector toward quantum-safe readiness,” said Khaled AlOfaysan, Country Head and Managing Partner at IBM Consulting Saudi Arabia.
With IBM’s deep industry expertise and pioneering work in quantum-safe cryptography, the partnership empowers stc group to lead the region into a new era of secure, future-ready telecommunications.
About stc group
stc group is an enabler of digital transformation, offering advanced solutions and driving a role in the digitization process. The group provides a comprehensive suite of services encompassing digital infrastructure, cloud computing, cybersecurity, Internet of Things (IoT), digital payments, digital media, and digital entertainment. The group comprises 13 subsidiaries across the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Middle East, North Africa, and Europe.
About IBM
IBM is a leading provider of global hybrid cloud and AI, and consulting expertise. We help clients in more than 175 countries capitalize on insights from their data, streamline business processes, reduce costs and gain the competitive edge in their industries. Thousands of governments and corporate entities in critical infrastructure areas such as financial services, telecommunications and healthcare rely on IBM’s hybrid cloud platform and Red Hat OpenShift to affect their digital transformations quickly, efficiently and securely. IBM’s breakthrough innovations in AI, quantum computing, industry-specific cloud solutions and consulting deliver open and flexible options to our clients. All of this is backed by IBM’s long-standing commitment to trust, transparency, responsibility, inclusivity and service.
Source: Zawya
