Configuration of the security protocol: One device (center) produces the encryption key coded in the form of entangled pairs of light particles which are then transferred to the two communicating devices (Alice and Bob). Coding information in pairs of particles ensures security, as there is no third particle that can be intercepted by an “eavesdropper.” (Illustration: Department of Physics, University of Basel)
How can we protect communications against “eavesdropping” if we don’t trust the devices used in the process? This is one of the main questions in quantum cryptography research. Researchers at the University of Basel and ETH Zurich have succeeded in laying the theoretical groundwork for a communication protocol that guarantees one hundred percent privacy.
Hackers in possession of quantum computers represent a serious threat to today’s cryptosystems. Researchers are therefore working on new encryption methods based on the principles of quantum mechanics. However, current encryption protocols assume that the communicating devices are known, trustworthy entities. But what if this is not the case and the devices leave a back door open for eavesdropping attacks?
A team of physicists led by Professor Nicolas Sangouard of the University of Basel and Professor Renato Renner of ETH Zurich have developed the theoretical foundations for a communication protocol that offers ultimate privacy protection and can be implemented experimentally. This protocol guarantees security not only against hackers with quantum computers, but also in cases where the devices used for communication are “black boxes” whose trustworthiness is a completely unknown quality. They published their results in the journal Physical Review Letters and have applied for a patent.
Diluting information with noise
While there are already some theoretical proposals for communication protocols with black boxes, there was one obstacle to their experimental implementation: the devices used had to be highly efficient in detecting information about the crypto key. If too many of the information units (in the form of entangled pairs of light particles) remained undetected, it was impossible to know whether they had been intercepted by a third party.
The new protocol overcomes this hurdle with a trick – the researchers add artificial noise to the actual information about the crypto key. Even if many of the information units are undetected, an “eavesdropper” receives so little real information about the crypto key that the security of the protocol remains guaranteed. In this way, the researchers lowered the requirement on the detection efficiency of the devices.
“Since the first small-scale quantum computers are now available, we urgently need new solutions for protecting privacy,” says Professor Sangouard. “Our work represents a significant step toward the next milestone in secure communications.”
The Latest Updates from Bing News & Google News
Go deeper with Bing News on:
Secure communications
- Emergency savings account: Workers prefer the new 401(k)-linked option in SECURE 2.0
The $2,500 Pension-Linked Emergency Savings Account option takes a small amount from paychecks (3%) and is easy to set up, said Commonwealth, which took a close look at new emergency savings options ...
- Rich Communication Services (RCS) Will Take A Quantum Leap Forward: What Does It Mean For Customer Experience?
As RCS gains momentum, businesses must seize the opportunity to adapt and enhance their customer engagement strategies for the future.
- SEALSQ Announces New Secure Element Solutions to Elevate IoMT
SEALSQ (the 'SQ' standing for 'semiconductors + quantum') develops highly secure elements (SEs) and other critical technologies for a multitude of cross-industry solutions. This story focuses on their ...
- Speedy, secure, sustainable — that's the future of telecom
Center for Functional Nanomaterials scientists and study co-authors Houk Jang (left) and Suji Park at the Quantum Materials Press. Editor's note: The following press release is being jointly issued by ...
- Quantum Leap: Purest Silicon Promises Military Tech Revolution
Scientists at The University of Manchester and the University of Melbourne have crafted the world’s purest silicon, a groundbreaking material with the potential to power quantum computers far beyond ...
Go deeper with Google Headlines on:
Secure communications
[google_news title=”” keyword=”secure communications” num_posts=”5″ blurb_length=”0″ show_thumb=”left”]
Go deeper with Bing News on:
Quantum cryptography
- Apple's New iMessage, Signal, and Post-Quantum Cryptography
Message has been updated with cryptography to secure against quantum computers. Understand what this means for privacy and confidentiality.
- Quantum Cryptography Solutions Market to Surge, Predicted to Reach USD 947.63 Million by 2028 with a Thriving 38.28% CAGR
The "Global Quantum Cryptography Solutions Market 2024-2028" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. The global quantum cryptography solutions market is poised for significant ...
- Quantum eMotion Appoints International Cybersecurity Expert as New Board Member
Quantum eMotion Corp. (TSXV: QNC) (OTCQB: QNCCF) (QeM) is delighted to announce the appointment of John Young as the new Board Member, showing continuous commitment to strengthening its cybersecurity ...
- RSAC Cryptographers' Panel Tackles AI, Post-Quantum, Privacy
The panelists also reviewed a recent threat to post-quantum cryptography and urged organizations to ensure they have a plan in place to embrace forthcoming post-quantum standards from U.S. National ...
- Optimistic Buy Rating for Arqit Quantum Amid Strategic Partnerships and Revenue Growth Potential
Arqit Quantum (ARQQ – Research Report), the Technology sector company, was revisited by a Wall Street analyst today. Analyst Scott Buck ...
Go deeper with Google Headlines on:
Quantum cryptography
[google_news title=”” keyword=”quantum cryptography” num_posts=”5″ blurb_length=”0″ show_thumb=”left”]