The brief

Analyst view

• Toshiba has researched quantum cryptography for 30 years, advancing from early academic work to commercial deployment.
• Orange Quantum Defender in Paris (June 2025) combines Toshiba's QKD with post-quantum cryptography to secure financial data.
• The service operates on Orange's existing fiber network, proving QKD can integrate with conventional telecom infrastructure.

Technical approach

As reported

QKD

Quantum key distribution using photons

QKD generates encryption keys using quantum light properties. Any eavesdropping attempt changes the quantum state, immediately revealing intrusion.

Hybrid Security

QKD plus post-quantum cryptography

Hardware-based QKD combined with NIST-certified post-quantum algorithms protects against both current and future threats.

Fiber Integration

Networks use existing fiber infrastructure

Toshiba's QKD systems operate on separate wavelengths alongside conventional data traffic in commercial fiber networks, avoiding new infrastructure costs.