Quantum Technology Safeguards Livelihoods! Goldcard Protects the Lifelines of Urban Gas and Water Systems

The daily access to water and gas may appear routine, yet it forms the foundation of urban life. Today, with the widespread adoption of smart metering, full coverage of remote meter reading, and normalized intelligent dispatching, digitalization in the gas and water sectors has made life more convenient.

However, as massive volumes of data—from devices, users, and pipeline networks—circulate across digital systems, data security has become a critical aspect of safeguarding these urban lifelines. Quantum encryption technology, capable of fundamentally resisting attacks from quantum computers, is emerging as a core force in protecting gas and water data security.

Goldcard is actively bringing this cutting-edge technology into real-world applications, reinforcing security barriers for urban utilities and ensuring safer, more resilient infrastructure for everyday life.

What is Quantum Encryption, and Why is it the Ultimate Standard in Data Security?

Often perceived as “black tech” from the future, quantum technology is already shaping our daily life. As a core driving force of the next technological revolution following the information age, quantum technology spans three major fields: computing, communication, and measurement.

Today, more than 30 countries have elevated quantum technology to the level of national strategy. The European Union has introduced its “Shaping Europe’s Quantum Technology Strategy” to secure future leadership. The United States has rolled out multiple quantum-related acts while significantly increasing investment. South Korea has established a National Quantum Strategy Committee, while Europe and Japan continue to deepen joint research and collaboration. Around the world, nations are racing to seize this technological high ground.

China is also strengthening its top-level design. By 2026, quantum technology has been incorporated into the country’s “15th Five-Year Plan,” positioning it as a key driver for developing new quality productive forces.

The quantum encryption we’re discussing today is, in fact, the core technology behind quantum communication. Compared with the traditional encryption methods we are familiar with, it represents a fundamental leap forward. The key difference lies in how encryption keys are secured:

● Traditional keys: Generated based on complex mathematical algorithms. However, as quantum computing continues to advance, widely used encryption methods such as RSA and ECC may eventually become vulnerable to its immense computational power.

● Quantum keys: Generated based on quantum polarization states, leveraging the unique uncertainty principle in quantum mechanics—any attempt to observe a quantum state will immediately alter it, making precise replication impossible. This means that if anyone tries to eavesdrop, the polarization state of the key changes instantly, allowing the system to detect the intrusion and discard the compromised key in real time.

Combined with a “one-time-one-key” and “one-device-one-key” mechanism, even if encrypted data is intercepted, it remains completely inaccessible without the corresponding unique, one-time key. This enables theoretical unbreakability at the level of physical laws.

The application of quantum enc

A Powerful Combination: National Cryptography + Quantum Encryption for a Stronger Security Framework

To meet the security demands of China’s gas and water sectors, quantum encryption is paired with national cryptographic algorithms to form a powerful “golden combination.” Algorithms such as SM2, SM3, and SM4 are independently developed in China, ensuring full controllability and compliance with the Cryptography Law of the People’s Republic of China, while effectively avoiding the risks of patent restrictions and potential backdoors associated with international algorithms.

Backed by the national-level technological capabilities of China Telecom Quantum Information Technology Group (China Telecom Quantum Group), Goldcard deeply integrates quantum key technology with national cryptographic algorithms to build a dedicated quantum security system. This solution combines four key advantages: authority, high security, broad compatibility, and cost efficiency.

With lightweight integration, it can be easily adapted to a wide range of devices and application scenarios across industries such as gas and water utilities—making it a preferred security solution for the public utilities sector.

From R&D to Real-World Deployment: Quantum Security Enters Everyday Life

Bringing cutting-edge technology into real-world applications is what truly safeguards people’s livelihoods. Goldcard has consistently been at the forefront of deploying quantum security technologies and building collaborative ecosystems.

As early as 2025, Goldcard partnered with China Telecom Quantum Group and E-Surfing IoT Tech Co., Ltd to jointly develop a quantum security solution for the gas industry, leveraging their respective strengths. China Telecom Quantum Group provided a world-first distributed cryptographic system and wide-area quantum network. E-Surfing IoT Tech Co., Ltd built an AIoT platform foundation integrating cloud and network capabilities. Meanwhile, Goldcard, drawing on its industry leadership, enabled end-to-end solutions and real-world implementation—creating a full-chain security defense system covering “device–edge–cloud–network–chip.”

In February 2026, the three parties further formalized their collaboration, successfully deploying quantum encryption technology in Guangzhou. This milestone marks the transition of quantum security from laboratory research to real-world applications, supporting the intelligent and secure upgrade of Guangzhou’s gas systems. With this, the city’s gas safety is now reinforced by the power of quantum technology.

Strategic cooperation signing ceremony between Goldcard, China Telecom Quantum Group and E-Surfing loT Co., Ltd.

Goldcard has now built a comprehensive end-to-end quantum encryption solution. Quantum security modules are integrated into terminals such as gas meters, water meters, and alarms, while a key distribution network—powered by quantum backbone and metropolitan area networks—enables the real-time generation and distribution of quantum keys.

Combined with Goldcard’s business cloud platform and quantum security infrastructure, and supported by the high-access capabilities of E-Surfing IoT Tech Co., Ltd’s platform, both metering data and dispatch instructions are fully encrypted throughout transmission. From data collection to real-world application, every stage is secure and controllable.

Whether it’s outdoor gas pressure regulators and valve wells, or in-home smart stoves and gas safety valves, quantum encryption technology delivers full-spectrum protection—effectively eliminating the risks of data eavesdropping and tampering. Every data node in urban gas and water systems is safeguarded with a built-in “security lock.”

Quantum Technology Safeguarding Everyday Life—Benefits You Can Truly Feel

You might wonder: with all its advanced capabilities, what practical benefits does quantum encryption actually bring to our daily lives? The answer lies in the details:

Prevent data tampering in gas and water meters, eliminating inaccurate or unfair billing and protecting household finances;

Safeguard operational data of gas and water pipeline networks, preventing malicious use of sensitive information that could lead to safety incidents, and ensuring urban public security;

Enable full-spectrum protection from outdoor infrastructure to in-home devices, improving system stability, reducing failures and safety risks, and making everyday gas and water usage more reliable;

Align with upcoming data security regulations in the energy sector (set to take effect in July), supporting more compliant and secure digital transformation for gas and water utilities—ultimately benefiting every citizen.

Gas and water systems are the lifelines of a city—and the foundation of people’s well-being. As a pioneer in the digitalization of public utilities, Goldcard will continue to advance the security of digital infrastructure in this sector, leveraging cutting-edge technologies to safeguard these critical lifelines.

By building robust digital security frameworks, Goldcard ensures that every individual can confidently enjoy the convenience brought by digital transformation, while supporting the high-quality development of the gas and water industry.