Quebec City Site Provides Quantum-Secure Testing

Testing communications networks and equipment for security from quantum-computer attacks poses many challenges, but Numana with its Kirq test bed has established Canada’s first site with that capability. The expanded Kirq facility (Quebec City, Canada) features the measurement capabilities and expertise needed to characterize and protect communications systems from the evolving security threats of quantum-computer attacks (see image above). 

Kirq is hosted at Université Laval’s Centre for Optics, Photonics, and Lasers (COPL) and at the National Optics Institute (INO) in Quebec City. It can simulate real-world networking environments and investigate vulnerabilities to quantum-computer-based efforts to steal sensitive financial and personal data. 

Regarding the need for the testing, Bernard Duval, President and CEO of Numana, observed, “Quantum computing will reshape cybersecurity. Banks, health systems, governments, and telecom providers operate in the digital economy. For years, digital encryption has protected us well—we don’t think twice about banking online. But we are in a race against time now for new encryption to be tested at Kirq and implemented before bad actors and state-sponsored hackers have quantum computing power.

He continued, "Kirq gives organizations a way to understand their vulnerabilities and make informed upgrade decisions before it’s too late. Canada is a leader on quantum. It’s critical that our nation lead on quantum-safe networks as well.”

Kirq is Canada’s only such facility for probing the quantum security of communications networks. The Kirq test bed functions in a communications loop that includes Quebec City, Montreal, and Sherbrooke, Canada. The testing services, which are performed on live networks, are available with scaling to simulate the characteristics of actual networks of varied sizes. Kirq already assists a wide range of users, including Bell, Nokia, and Toshiba. 

Eugenie Brouillet, Vice Rector of research, creation, and innovation at Université Laval, explained, “This collaboration allows Université Laval to contribute directly to the development and testing of quantum cybersecurity technologies and to support their adoption by industry and public-sector partners.”

Jeffrey Maddox, CEO of Nokia Canada, added, “The Kirq test bed provides Quebec with a unique platform to accelerate innovation in quantum communications, and Nokia is proud to contribute to this effort.”