London, UK – 16th May 2024 - Arqit Quantum Inc. (Nasdaq: ARQQ, ARQQW) (Arqit), a leader in quantum-safe encryption, and Telecom Italia Sparkle, the first international service provider in Italy and among the top global operators,  announce the successful completion of a Proof of Concept (PoC) on the first Internet Protocol secure (IPsec) tunnel between Italy and Germany using Arqit’s Symmetric Key Agreement Platform. The test was supported by Telsy, a TIM Group company specialized in cybersecurity.

The PoC showcases the integration of Quantum Arqit's technology using Symmetric Key Agreement (SKA) into Sparkle's state-of-the-art network infrastructure, ensuring enhanced encryption methods for data transmission across geographical borders.

This important step marks the creation of a software quantum-safe Virtual Private Network (VPN), standing as a pivotal moment in network security. Being software based, the SKA Platform is quickly and easily scaled across any existing telecom network ensuring that sensitive data remains protected against potential decryption by future quantum algorithms, thereby mitigating the risks associated with evolving cybersecurity threats.

Daniele Mancuso, Sparkle's Chief Marketing & Product Management Officer said: “Our state-of-the-art global network provides critical services to carriers, institutions, and enterprises who choose and trust Sparkle’s leading secure connectivity services to keep their data safe. The successful completion of the quantum-safe VPN PoC, preliminary to a large-scale commercial launch, anticipates the potential threat of quantum decryption and confirms our market-leading commitment to continuously elevating the security and resilience of Sparkle’s infrastructure.”

David Williams, Arqit Founder, Chairman and CEO said: “Sparkle’s establishment of the first quantum-safe VPN between Catania and Frankfurt signifies a key milestone in telecoms cybersecurity. By leveraging Arqit's SKA Platform, Sparkle is pioneering a new era of secure communication, ensuring the resilience of critical networks against the looming threat of quantum adversaries.”