Telus Prepares for the Quantum Hacking Era With New VPN

Telus has launched a new “Quantum-Safe VPN” service that’s meant to protect businesses from hacking methods that don’t technically exist yet—but likely will.

The idea is simple: as quantum computers get more powerful, they could break today’s encryption and make it easier for attackers to read sensitive data. Telus wants companies to start protecting themselves before that happens.

Right now, most cybersecurity tools rely on encryption that quantum computers could eventually crack. Telus says its new service uses updated, “quantum-resistant” encryption so businesses aren’t caught off guard later on. The feature is built into Telus’ Managed Next Generation Firewall service, so companies using that system can add the new protection right away.

“As a leader in cybersecurity innovation, Telus is taking the critical first step to deliver future-proof services to support our customers’ network security against the quantum threat,” said Jodi Baxter, Vice-President of 5G & Industry Solutions at Telus, in a statement to iPhone in Canada. “We’re not waiting for quantum computers to become mainstream, we’re enabling quantum-resistant security services today to support our customers in maintaining business continuity and long-term data protection.”

The new VPN aims to give businesses three main things: stronger security for future threats, long-term protection for sensitive data, and an easier path to meet upcoming security rules.

The system uses technology from Santa Clara, California-based Palo Alto Networks and is designed to adapt as new security standards roll out.