ETSI designed new algorithms to protect critical infrastructure from cyber quantum attacks

ETSI prepares critical infrastructure for future attacks, including from quantum computers. New technical specifications have been designed to protect TETRA networks.

The European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI) announced that its Technical Committee on terrestrial trunked radio and critical communications evolution (TCCE) has designed new algorithms to protect terrestrial trunked radio (TETRA) networks from cyberattacks including from quantum computers. TETRA networks are often used for critical infrastructures and utilities sectors such as transportation, electricity, natural gas, and water plants.

According to Dave Chater-Lea, Vice Chair of the TCCE committee, the algorithms are designed to withstand brute force attacks beyond the year 2040 even if quantum computers become a viable means of attack.

In developing the new specifications – ETSI TS 100 392-7 and ETSI TS 100 396-6 – the TCCE committee has worked together with experts from the ETSI quantum safe cryptography group.