The quantum era is approaching, and with it, new opportunities and risks for the telecommunications industry, according to the latest report published by the Global Cybersecurity Forum (GCF). Leaders who act early to adopt quantum-resilient strategies could gain a competitive advantage in both security and business while those who delay action could risk exposure to operational disruptions, data breaches and regulatory penalties.
‘Securing the Future: Quantum Computing’s Impact on Telecom Security’ was developed by GCF’s ‘Safeguarding Future Networks & Emerging Technologies’ Knowledge Community, which is led by stc and unites the foremost global leaders in sectors like telecommunications, ICT and cybersecurity. Mapping out an evolving quantum landscape, the report outlines the opportunities and significant cybersecurity challenges for telecom service providers as quantum capabilities rapidly evolve.
Quantum advancements can unlock new efficiencies in areas like network optimisation, spectrum efficiency, and ultra-fast data processing. But they will also open the door to cybersecurity risks – chief among them, the potential to break today’s encryption standards, which protect sensitive data and communications across mobile, cloud-based, and broadband networks. According to some experts’ estimations, Q-day, the point at which quantum computers break current encryption, could occur within the next decade.
Given the vast amounts of data handled by telecom service providers, the paper stresses the urgency of adopting quantum-safe cryptography to protect infrastructure and networks – an imperative for all sectors reliant on encryption to safeguard sensitive private or financial data from breaches.
It also highlights cybercrime’s economic impact in the quantum era, with outdated encryption potentially contributing to the expected $265 billion annual cost to the global economy by 2031.
“As telecoms companies look ahead to the anticipated impact of quantum computing on security, our latest insights paper aims to support the sector in navigating the transition and building long-term resilience,” said Mazen Alahmadi, Chairman of the Safeguarding Future Networks & Emerging Technologies Knowledge Community and Vice-President for Cyber Security & Data Management at stc. “Preparing early and making informed decisions is essential – not just to manage risks, but to unlock innovation and economic growth.”
To drive action toward quantum resilience, the paper outlines a strategic roadmap for a proactive, phased transition to post-quantum resilience, from prioritising cryptographic vulnerabilities, to adopting quantum-safe encryption, upgrading security across the supply chain, investing in workforce readiness, and collaborating with standards bodies as regulations and guidelines evolve.
‘Securing the Future: Quantum Computing’s Impact on Telecom Security’ – accessible on GCF’s Knowledge Hub – supports GCF’s mission to enhance global cybersecurity resilience by pushing knowledge boundaries and fostering meaningful collaboration. The report forms part of GCF’s wider programme of activities, including GCF Annual Meeting 2025 taking place in Riyadh on 1–2 October, where global decision-makers and experts will convene in Riyadh to shape the future of Cyberspace under the theme “Scaling Cohesive Advancement in Cyberspace”. Authored by the ‘Safeguarding Future Networks & Emerging Technologies’ Knowledge Community – a platform uniting global industry leaders committed to advancing the security of ICT networks – the report reflects GCF’s mission to promote collaboration and safeguard the future of cyberspace.
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