IBM and Singapore telco Starhub today announced an expanded collaboration focused on advancing quantum-safe security capabilities, in order to strengthen the latter’s readiness against emerging post-quantum cryptographic threats.
While such quantum computers do not exist yet, adversaries are already deploying “Harvest Now, Decrypt Later” strategies to intercept and store encrypted data today with the intent of decrypting it in the future, once they are able to access these mature quantum capabilities. The telecommunications sector continues to be a target for such cyber attackers, and enterprises are looking to secure critical network infrastructures earlier by building crypto-agility into their security foundations.
To protect against such threats, IBM will support StarHub in establishing a more crypto-agile foundation operating on Red Hat Enterprise Linux, and will also be implementing the IBM Guardian Cryptography Manager and IBM Quantum Safe Explorer. As part of this partnership, the two organisation will work towards strengthening Starhub’s quantum-safe readiness through technologies designed to discover cryptographic dependencies, assess vulnerabilities, and prepare for migration to post-quantum cryptography standards. This includes supporting the development of more resilient, adaptable security architectures aligned with evolving Singapore regulatory expectations. The collaboration reflects broader industry momentum in Singapore around quantum-safe security initiatives.
This effort reflects growing industry focus on security architectures designed to evolving risks and post-quantum standards, as organisations increasingly view cybersecurity as a strategic trust imperative rather than solely a compliance requirement.
Today’s announcement builds upon the two organisations’ earlier collaboration in automation management, including in network transformation initiatives designed to improve agility, increase productivity, and enable business growth.
“Our collaboration with IBM is grounded in a shared commitment to building secure, resilient, and future-ready networks,” said Dr. Volkan Sevindik, Chief Technology Officer, StarHub. “Building on earlier work in observability and intelligent data capabilities, we are now advancing our quantum-safe readiness to prepare for increasingly complex security challenges. 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.”
“The threat of ‘Harvest Now, Decrypt Later’ is a present-day reality for critical infrastructure,” said Catherine Lian, General Manager and Technology Leader, IBM ASEAN. “Our longstanding collaboration with StarHub is rooted in continuous operational resilience and reflects the increasing urgency for organisations to strengthen cybersecurity as post-quantum risks emerge. According to IBM’s 2026 CEO Study, cybersecurity ranks among top priorities for telecommunication leaders across the region. Through this expanded collaboration, we are supporting StarHub in strengthening long-term resilience across increasingly complex digital environments in Singapore.”
