CGI (NYSE: GIB) (TSX: GIB.A) signed an agreement to work with SpeQtral, a leader in quantum secure technologies, to jointly develop robust cyber security approaches for communications technology based on quantum key distribution. Quantum key distribution is a secure communication method that implements a cryptographic protocol involving components of quantum mechanics. The companies will work together to ensure the security of SpeQtral’s key distribution systems, enabling sensitive communications to be protected against the threat posed by future quantum computers.
Enhanced cyber security through quantum key distribution will benefit organisations such as government, telecommunications and the financial services sector, which need to ensure their data is not compromised.
Jaime Reed, Vice President for CGI’s UK and Australia Space Data Platforms and Applications, said: “Quantum communications has the potential to significantly enhance the security of every industry. We are excited to support SpeQtral in developing their leading-edge technology towards an operations capability. CGI has deep knowledge of satellite communications and cyber security, which we will use to enhance and accelerate the introduction of quantum key distribution services.”
SpeQtral is a communications company that is an emerging leader in quantum-secure communications and the first team in the world that has demonstrated a miniaturised source of entangled photons in space. Earlier this year, SpeQtral announced the SpeQtral-1 quantum satellite mission for ultra-secure communications. CGI will collaborate with SpeQtral in the development of their operational system. CGI will be providing a range of security and system engineering activities, including architectural and platform choices, application of standards, support for use cases, and threat analysis for the wider key distribution and management system for SpeQtral.
Chune Yang Lum, CEO of SpeQtral, said: “The imminent arrival of quantum computers, which has the potential to disrupt traditional mathematically based encryption technologies, will fundamentally change how organisations secure their most sensitive data. SpeQtral’s vision is to build a global quantum-safe communication network, leveraging encryption methodologies based on quantum effects, to secure existing and future communication networks. Our collaboration with CGI is highly strategic and enables us to tap into its vast experience in cybersecurity systems. We look forward to working with the CGI team.”
For more than 40 years, CGI has delivered complex, mission-critical space software systems for clients across Europe, Australia, Asia and North America, from supporting satellite navigation, communications and operations, to space-enabled applications.
About CGI
Founded in 1976, CGI is among the largest independent IT and business consulting services firms in the world. With 84,000 consultants and professionals across the globe, CGI delivers an end-to-end portfolio of capabilities, from strategic IT and business consulting to systems integration, managed IT and business process services and intellectual property solutions. CGI works with clients through a local relationship model complemented by a global delivery network that helps clients digitally transform their organizations and accelerate results. CGI Fiscal 2021 reported revenue is $12.13 billion and CGI shares are listed on the TSX (GIB.A) and the NYSE (GIB). Learn more at cgi.com.
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Media
Paul Butler
External Communications Manager
p.butler@cgi.com
+44 (0)7920 784199
