IBM and StarHub are collaborating on a new initiative aimed at preparing Singapore’s critical network infrastructure for the coming era of quantum‑level cyber threats.
The partnership brings IBM’s quantum‑safe technologies — including IBM Guardian Cryptography Manager and IBM Quantum Safe Explorer — into StarHub’s security environment to help the telco build stronger crypto‑agility and defend against emerging risks such as “Harvest Now, Decrypt Later” attacks.
Although large‑scale quantum computers capable of breaking today’s encryption standards do not yet exist, cyber adversaries are already intercepting and storing encrypted data with the intention of decrypting it once quantum capabilities mature.
As one of the most targeted sectors globally, telcos are moving early to modernise their cryptographic foundations and prepare for future post‑quantum standards.
Under the collaboration, IBM will support StarHub in establishing a more crypto‑agile architecture running on Red Hat Enterprise Linux. The work focuses on helping StarHub discover cryptographic dependencies, assess vulnerabilities and prepare for migration to post‑quantum cryptography in alignment with Singapore’s growing regulatory emphasis on quantum‑safe readiness.
The initiative builds on earlier joint efforts in automation, observability and intelligent data capabilities. StarHub already uses IBM AIOps, IBM SevOne, IBM watsonx.data, and IBM watsonx.data.intelligence to enhance service assurance and operational resilience as part of a broader network transformation strategy aimed at improving agility and supporting business growth.
“Crypto-agility will become an important foundation for protecting sensitive data and maintaining trust. Through this work, we aim to help customers stay ahead of emerging risks while continuing to innovate with confidence,” said Volkan Sevindik, Chief Technology Officer of StarHub.
“Through this expanded collaboration, we are supporting StarHub in strengthening long-term resilience across increasingly complex digital environments in Singapore,” said Catherine Lian, General Manager and Technology Leader of IBM Asean.
Entelechy Asia 