The rise of quantum computing and the ability to solve computations at incredible speeds using the basic features of quantum mechanics could revolutionize our world. But what does this quantum future mean for data security?
As Quantum Computing is evolving from test labs into the real world, this unprecedented new form of computing power has had a profound effect on current encryption and public-key cryptography (PKC), such as Rivest-Shamir-Aleman (RSA) and elliptical curves. Cryptography (ECC). In contrast to the processing capabilities of quantum computing, which can analyze a huge set of data orders at a faster rate than current digital computers, such encryptions will be vulnerable to bad performers.
Upcoming Quantum In the future, cryptography solutions built on the laws of quantum physics are essential to ensure that sensitive digital information is safely and securely distributed across the upcoming Quantum Internet. One of the pillars of this more secure quantum computing future is called Quantum Key Distribution (QKD), which simultaneously uses the basic features of physics to extract encryption keys for secure encryption between two locations.
Tap the power of the photon
At the physical level, for today’s common encryption techniques, the data bits sent during the original exchange, such as RSA and ECC, are encoded using large photon vibrations or voltage changes. With QKD, everything is encoded in a single photon, relying on quantum mechanical properties that allow detection and successfully prevent snatching. Quantum objects exist in a state of superposition where the property value of an object can be described as a set of probabilities of different values.
Infection of encoded photons occurs in what is known as quantum channels. A separate channel, referred to as the classical channel, which manages clock synchronization, key shifting, or other data exchange, established between the two endpoints; This channel can be any conventional data communication channel.
Multiple types of QKD
With the development of technology a number of implementations and protocols for QKD are emerging. For example, isolated variable QKD (DV-QKD) is used in many commercial QKD systems today. A DV-QKD system consists of two endpoints: a sender and a recipient. These endpoints can be quantum connection free space or dark fiber. In this case, the transmitter controls the phase or polarization of the photon by encoding a bit value, 0 or 1, in a single photon. A separate data connection is used between the two endpoints to communicate information about quantum measurement and time.
Although early QKD implementations have separate dedicated fibers for quantum and data channels, newer versions may use different wavelengths for each channel of the same fiber, resulting in more cost-effective installation and efficiency.
Other implementations include continuous variable QKD (CV-QKD) and entanglement. With CV-QKD, the sender transmits a random source of data to correct the position and momentum of the transmission. Entanglement QKD, meanwhile, leverages quantum phenomena where two quantum particles are formed in such a way that they share quantum properties; Later, no matter how far apart they may be, the same value will result from the measurement of one of the properties of each.
The challenge ahead for QKD
Distance remains a limitation when applying QKD over fiber as individual photons will be transmitted and absorbed over distances. Laser power is reduced to create individual photons and standard telecom equipment cannot be used to replicate or amplify the signal. In general, the practical range is between 60 miles and 90 miles.
Methods of increasing distance include trusted exchange, twin field QKD and quantum repeater.
- Trusted exchanges act as repeaters – receiving optical signals, converting them to digital and then converting them back to optical. Trusted exchanges must be protected when it is in digital form to prevent an intruder from reading the transmission.
- The twin-field QKD adds a midpoint node that receives signals from both endpoint nodes, increasing the distance between the endpoints to potentially hundreds of miles.
- Quantum repeaters can eventually break the distance barriers of QKD over fiber, which today provides the same function as repeaters in telecommunications: to amplify or reproduce data signals so that they are transmitted from one terminal to another.
Advances in single photon sources and low noise detectors will further improve the effective distance for QKD.
What’s next for QKD?
QKD has significant value in a quantum world because of its ability to divide symmetrical keys between endpoints and its ability to detect when eSdrapping occurs on a quantum channel. Before being widely applied by carriers, however, QKD must be supportive in a carrier environment, providing their customers with the expected availability and reliability.
For example, disruption of quantum channels can result in loss of real-time key elements; However, having a secure key storage associated with QKD allows Quantum Channel to continue delivering key components during the investigation of the breach. This means that QKD tools and services must develop methods and capabilities to solve and manage problems.
Since QKD relies on quantum mechanics, the state of observation will affect the quantum system and in itself create challenges for problem solving and management. As technology continues to evolve and improve, QKD implementation in small mobile devices such as drones may eventually become possible. No matter how QKD develops, Quantum seems to be a promising solution for securing communication over the Internet.
