A quantum leap: Researchers create super-secure computer network

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A quantum leap Researchers create super-secure
computer network

• Seungjai Min Hansang Bae Hwanjo Heo

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Quantum Cryptography?

• Uses light particles, photons through optical
  fiber instead of electric waves on wire
• A defining discovery in physics that subatomic
  particles can exist in multiple states at once
  until something interacts with them.
• Eavesdropping on the photons, such as setting up
  a photo detector to read the code, makes the
  codes unusable and can be detected.

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Basic Idea
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Quantum Key Distribution

• Core aspect of quantum networking
• Two parties share a key obtained by QKD before
  data communication
• Separated in two channels quantum channel and
  public channel
• Uses different polarization of a photon to encode
  a bit
• Example protocols BB84, B92

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Working Examples

• The Boston network(BBN Havard Boston
  university) is the first internet-integrated
  system.
• A group in Europe recently made the first quantum
  encrypted bank transaction.
• MagiQ Technologies and id Quantique are selling
  commercial QKD systems.

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Pros Cons

• Nearly Impossible to steal, even with a
  super-powered computer
• Detect if someone is listening
• Secure randomness, no cloning
• Distance Limitations
• Availability
• Expensive (MagiQ sells it at 50,000 per piece)
• Vulnerable to DOS
• Keys cant keep up with data transmission

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Questions?