IBM and stc Partner to Future-Proof Saudi Telecoms for Post-Quantum Era

IBM  and stc group  announced an expanded collaboration to prepare Saudi Arabia’s telecommunications sector for the emerging post-quantum era. Under this collaboration, stc group leveraged IBM’s quantum-safe cybersecurity solutions to analyze and fortify the group’s current data protection and encryption protocols against future quantum threats.

The collaboration established a quantum-safe framework designed to proactively identify and mitigate cryptographic risks, ensuring readiness for a time when large-scale quantum computing could challenge existing encryption systems safeguarding sensitive data.

By integrating advanced cryptographic tools, quantum-safe protocols, and robust governance, the framework embeds security by design and builds cryptographic agility aligned with NIST (US National Institute of Standards and Technology) standards. This will secure stc’s networks and subscriber ecosystems, positioning the group as a resilient, trusted leader in the 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. 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.”

– Abdulaziz A. Alaqil, CSDM Excellence & Engineering GM, stc group

“At IBM we aim to serve as a partner of choice to the leading innovators and changemakers in the public and private sector redefining life and business in Saudi Arabia. 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.”

– Khaled AlOfaysan, Country Head and Managing Partner, IBM Consulting Saudi Arabia

The collaboration underscores both organizations’ commitment to safeguarding the future of Saudi Arabia’s cybersecurity capabilities and offerings. It also marks a major step towards strengthening the Kingdom’s digital resilience amid rapid advancements in quantum computing, as Saudi Arabia actively invests in quantum infrastructure and talent, and advances policies in alignment with Vision 2030, and technical capabilities.

With IBM’s deep industry expertise and pioneering work in quantum-safe cryptography, this collaboration empowers stc group to lead the region into the post-quantum era, showcasing its commitment to innovation in secure, future-ready telecommunications.