How Fortinet Advances Telecom Security in Quantum Shift

Quantum computing puts longstanding encryption methods at risk, forcing telecommunications providers to reassess cybersecurity strategies. 

As quantum systems develop the capability to break through classical encryption, data that has been secure for decades becomes vulnerable, and cybercriminals are already adapting to take advantage of this shift. 

A tactic gaining traction among threat actors is “harvest now, decrypt later.” This involves collecting encrypted data today in the expectation that tomorrow’s quantum computing power will eventually unlock it. 

For the telecommunications sector – alongside financial services, healthcare and government – where the confidentiality and longevity of data are critical, post-quantum security is not a distant concern but an immediate requirement.

Fortinet upgrades FortiOS to meet quantum security demands

Fortinet has responded to these emerging threats by expanding its flagship FortiOS operating system, the core of its Security Fabric architecture. 

This platform merges security and networking into a single framework, providing telco and enterprise networks with unified protection.

The release of FortiOS 7.6 brings integrated quantum-safe capabilities to Fortinet’s products, including FortiGate Next-Generation Firewall (NGFW) and Fortinet Secure SD-WAN. 

These updates are designed to help telecommunications providers and other data-sensitive sectors prepare for a post-quantum environment.

New features available in FortiOS 7.6 include:

• Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC): FortiOS supports encryption algorithms selected by the US National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) for resisting quantum attacks. These include ML-KEM (a lattice-based encryption method) and contenders like BIKE (Bit Flipping Key Encapsulation), HQC (Hamming Quasi-Cyclic) and Frodo (based on Learning With Errors). These are structured to protect against the massive processing capabilities of quantum systems.
   
• Quantum Key Distribution (QKD): QKD uses the principles of quantum mechanics to distribute encryption keys securely. If any eavesdropping occurs during the key exchange, it becomes instantly detectable. Since FortiOS 7.4, telcos can connect to leading QKD vendors via plug-and-play integration using standard interfaces — an approach that aligns with growing demand for quantum-resilient infrastructure.
   
• Algorithm stacking: This feature layers multiple cryptographic algorithms, which raises the difficulty for attackers seeking unauthorised access. Even with quantum capabilities, breaking through multiple layers of protection becomes substantially more complex.
   
• Hybrid security mode: Telecommunications providers can transition gradually from traditional public-key encryption to quantum-ready methods using this feature. It allows continuity without service disruption and helps network teams manage change at their own pace.
   
• User-friendly management: FortiOS introduces a simplified interface that reduces the complexity of deploying quantum-safe settings. This is particularly important for telcos, where skilled cybersecurity staff may not always have quantum-specific knowledge. The design supports confident implementation without requiring deep technical retraining.
   

Michael Xie, Founder, President and Chief Technology Officer at Fortinet, explains: “At Fortinet, we’re committed to arming customers with cutting-edge technology to protect against new and emerging threats.

“As quantum computing advances, organisations can trust Fortinet’s technology innovation and leadership to safeguard their critical data and future-proof their infrastructures.”

Balancing future resilience with today’s network performance

A key challenge for telcos is integrating new cryptographic methods without compromising performance. Fortinet has addressed this by designing FortiOS so that its quantum-safe features do not affect network speed or scalability.

This is critical in the telecommunications industry, where maintaining high-speed connectivity and service quality is essential. 

By embedding post-quantum protections directly into FortiOS, Fortinet ensures that network security upgrades remain invisible to end users and efficient for telco infrastructure teams to manage.

Importantly, the Fortinet model includes these enhancements as part of the core system — without additional cost. For existing customers, that means no need to purchase extra tools or services to deploy quantum-ready defences. FortiOS remains consistent across deployments, easing the burden of integration and avoiding compatibility issues across different network segments.

Michael notes that “many enterprises are eager to take action to protect their networks from quantum-powered threats,” pointing to Fortinet’s approach of offering “cutting-edge, quantum-safe features available today for FortiGate NGFW and Fortinet Secure SD-WAN customers.”

A strategic move for telcos preparing for quantum risk

For telecommunications providers managing vast volumes of long-lived customer data, the shift to post-quantum security is burgeoning necessity. 

Fortinet’s enhancements to FortiOS provide a practical path to adaptation – enabling organisations to build resilience now without overhauling systems or creating operational delays.

Fortinet positions its updated platform not only as a protective measure but also as a way to manage change proactively. 

By making quantum-resilient tools accessible through familiar interfaces, the company allows telcos to keep pace with cybersecurity demands without slowing down.