Quantum Cryptography

What is Quantum Cryptography? How does Quantum Cryptography Work? What are the applications of Quantum Cryptography? What is the Significance of Quantum Cryptography? Read further to know more.

The science of using quantum mechanical principles for encryption purposes is known as quantum cryptography.

It might have significant effects on cybersecurity, making companies safer while also making it more challenging for governments to hack into communication.

What is Quantum Cryptography?

Quantum Cryptography, sometimes referred to as Quantum Key Distribution (QKD), is a method for creating secure communication. It makes it possible to share and distribute secret keys, which are required for cryptographic protocols.

A system must use cryptographic algorithms and protocols to be safe, especially when interacting across an unreliable network like the Internet.

While the security provided by quantum communication is based on the principles of Physics, conventional cryptosystems for data encryption depend on the complexity of mathematical algorithms.

Also read: End-to-End Encryption

How does Quantum Cryptography Work?

• Encryption keys are transmitted via the Quantum Cryptography/QKD as “qubits,” or quantum bits, through an optical fibre (Qubits are equivalent to bits in a binary system).
• Compared to other mediums, optical fibers can transfer more data quickly over greater distances. It operates under the tenet of complete inward reflections.
• Implementing QKD involves communication between authorized users. It is necessary to authenticate these interactions. This can accomplish using a variety of cryptographic techniques.
• QKD enables two remote users to generate a shared, random string of secret bits, known as a secret key, even if they do not initially share a lengthy secret key.
• Consequently, QKD can use an authenticated communication channel and convert it into a secure communication channel.
• The qubits, which are encoded on photons, are designed in such a way that if an unauthorized entity tries to read the transmission, it will disturb them.
• Transmission issues will result from this, and legitimate end users will be alerted right away.

What are the Main Categories of QKD?

There are two main categories of QKD. They are,

Prepare-and-Measure Protocols:

• It concentrates on detecting unobserved quantum states This kind of protocol can be used to identify espionage (eavesdropping) and determine how much data may have been intercepted.

Entanglement-based Protocols:

• It focuses on coupled quantum states, which are formed when two objects are connected in some way.
• Entanglement refers to the idea that measuring one object has an impact on another.
• With this approach, the other parties will be informed if an eavesdropper gains access to a previously trusted node and makes changes.

Applications of Quantum Cryptography

• QKD networks are solely responsible for transferring keys between parties seeking to interact securely.
• To address the threat that quantum computing’s quick development poses to the security of the data being conveyed by many crucial industries across the existing communication networks, QKD is crucial.
• There will be applications where QKD is perfect, such as replacing dependable couriers, and others where the benefits are less obvious, such as CNP and online banking, which require substantial quantum ATM infrastructure to function but gain additional security as a result. Business choices are seldom simple.
• It excels at generating lengthy random keys from brief input keys, a feature that could be crucial for OTPs.
• A variety of start-ups and small and medium-sized businesses in the field of quantum information could be enabled by the technology.
• Security agencies will be able to design an appropriate quantum communication network with an indigenous technology backbone thanks to it.
• The principal applications of quantum cryptography are in quantum key distribution (QKD), but it also has uses in quantum commitment, quantum coin tossing, and untrustworthy quantum cryptography.
• A variety of start-ups and small and medium-sized businesses in the field of quantum information could be enabled by the technology.
  It is anticipated that it will define standards and draught laws about cryptography.

Why is Quantum Cryptography Needed?

• To address the threat that quantum computing’s quick development poses to the security of the data being conveyed by many crucial industries across the existing communication networks, QKD is crucial.
• A variety of start-ups and small and medium-sized businesses in the field of quantum information could be enabled by the technology.
• Security agencies will be able to design an appropriate quantum communication network with an indigenous technology backbone thanks to it.
• The fact that data is transmitted by the photon makes the encryption uncrackable. Any attempt to measure a photon will upset it since a photon cannot be properly reproduced. As a result, anyone attempting to intercept the data will be detected.
• QKD enables two remote users to generate a shared, random string of secret bits, known as a secret key, even if they do not initially share a lengthy secret key.
• This key is secure for both encrypting and decrypting messages using one-time pad encryption, which allows for transmission across a common communication channel.

What is the Significance of Quantum Cryptography?

• Because it can identify any attempt at such activity, it enables the identification of data leaks or hacking.
• The method of adjusting the error level between the intercepted data is also made possible.
• The fact that data is transmitted by the photon makes the encryption uncrackable. Any attempt to measure a photon will upset it since a photon cannot be properly reproduced. As a result, anyone attempting to intercept the data will be detected.

What are the Challenges associated with the QKD?

• QKD System Integration with Current Infrastructure: It is now challenging to put in place the ideal infrastructure for QKD.
  Even though single photon detector flaws make QKD insecure in practice, it is theoretically secure.
• The maximum distance that photons can travel: The amount of distance that modern fiber optic cables can transmit a photon is often constrained. This range is typically thought to be greater than 100 kilometers.

Conclusion

It’s crucial to leverage the strength of start-ups and major IT companies working on creating quantum technology and applications. The creation of an overarching plan for the following 10 to 15 years should be the main priority. The strategy must make sure that there is no inefficient use of resources and that the focus of the efforts is on vital areas that are advantageous from an economic and strategic standpoint.

Read: Quantum Science and Technology

Article written by Aseem Muhammed