Cryptographic and Cybersecurity solutions in quantum technology include methods for protecting data and communications that use the principles of quantum mechanics to provide reliable encryption and protection against attacks. Quantum cryptography, including quantum key distribution (QKD), provides theoretically unbreakable protection against eavesdropping, which is becoming crucial in the era of quantum computers that can break traditional cryptographic systems.
Cryptographic and Cybersecurity Solutions
Type of technology
Description of the technology
Basic elements
- Quantum cryptography (QKD): A technology that enables the secure exchange of encryption keys using quantum entanglement, which guarantees detection of any eavesdropping attempt.
- Post-quantum algorithms: New cryptographic algorithms resistant to attacks by quantum computers, intended to replace traditional encryption methods.
- Quantum security infrastructure: Devices and software to implement cryptographic technologies based on quantum mechanics in real network systems.
- BB84 protocol: One of the most popular protocols used in quantum key distribution (QKD), which uses quantum entanglement to securely exchange information.
- Quantum secure networks: Quantum-based telecommunications networks that provide a high level of data protection against cyber attacks.
Industry usage
- Finance: Secure data exchange in banks, transactions management, and protection of financial information from cyber attacks.
- Telecommunications: Secure data transmission and communication between telecommunications operators, which prevents eavesdropping and attacks.
- National defence: Protecting the data and communications of sensitive military and government systems.
- Health care: Secure transmission of medical data and protection of patient data from cyber attacks.
- Cloud computing: Ensuring the security of data stored in the cloud with post-quantum algorithms.
Importance for the economy
Cryptographic and quantum Cybersecurity solutions are critical to protecting sensitive data in sectors such as finance, government, defence, and health. Their implementation will provide long-term protection against threats from quantum computers that can break traditional cryptographic systems. The increased global importance of this technology will have an impact on the development of international security standards and the competitiveness of companies and institutions, which will have to adapt their systems to the new security standards.
Related technologies
Quantum Technologies
Quantum computers can both threaten current cryptography and support the development of new security systems. Quantum cryptography supports the development of secure networks based on quantum technology that are resistant to eavesdropping. Quantum technologies can support the development of advanced sensors for monitoring the security of IT infrastructure.
Cybersecurity
The use of quantum technology in cryptography can enhance the security of data stored in the cloud.
Mechanism of action
- Cryptographic and Cybersecurity solutions based on quantum technologies rely on the use of quantum entanglement and superposition to securely transmit data and exchange cryptographic keys. Quantum cryptography uses photons as carriers of information and any attempt to intercept data causes changes in the quantum state, which is immediately detected. Post-quantum algorithms enable data to be encrypted securely, even in an era of quantum computers that can break traditional cryptographic methods.
Advantages
- Resistance to quantum attacks: Quantum cryptography offers protection against quantum computer threats that can break traditional encryption.
- High security: Quantum key distribution (QKD) provides theoretically unbreakable data protection against eavesdropping and hacking.
- Future security: Implementing post-quantum algorithms ensures long-term data protection, even in the era of quantum computers.
- Applications in many sectors: The solutions are widely used in finance, government, telecommunications, and the defence sector.
- Rapid threat detection: Quantum cryptography makes it possible to detect eavesdropping attempts and threats immediately.
Disadvantages
- High implementation costs: The infrastructure needed to implement quantum cryptography and post-quantum algorithms is expensive and requires significant investment.
- Technological limitations: The implementation of cryptographic systems based on quantum technologies requires advanced equipment, which hinders their mass adoption.
- Lack of standards: The lack of globally established standards for post-quantum cryptography may hinder large-scale deployment of the technology.
- Dependence on fibre-optic infrastructure: Quantum cryptography requires the development of fibre-optic infrastructure, which may limit its application over long distances.
- Risk of monopolisation: Quantum technologies may be dominated by a few large corporations, which limits accessibility for smaller companies and institutions.
Implementation of the technology
Required resources
- Fibre-optic infrastructure: Development of advanced fibre-optic networks for data transmission using quantum technology.
- Quantum relays: Devices that enable the transmission of data over long distances as part of cryptographic systems.
- Team of experts: Scientists and engineers specialising in cryptography, Cybersecurity, and quantum mechanics.
- Cryptographic software: Tools to support the implementation of post-quantum algorithms in various applications and IT systems.
- Research laboratories: Specialised laboratories for testing and implementing cryptographic technologies based on quantum mechanics.
Required competences
- Quantum cryptography: Knowledge of quantum key distribution (QKD) and post-quantum cryptographic algorithms.
- Cybersecurity: Ability to implement systems to secure data against quantum attacks.
- Network engineering: Knowledge of the network infrastructure that supports the transmission of quantum data.
- Quantum physics: Basic understanding of quantum phenomena, such as entanglement and superposition.
Environmental aspects
- Energy consumption: Cryptographic systems require significant energy resources, especially when developing fibre-optic infrastructure.
- Equipment recycling: Modern cryptographic technologies can generate electronic waste that requires proper recycling.
- Energy optimisation: Quantum technologies can contribute to better energy optimisation in the process of securing data.
Legal conditions
- Data protection: Quantum cryptography must comply with data protection regulations, such as GDPR.
- Technology licences: Patents and licences covering cryptographic devices and algorithms must be respected.
- Export regulations: Cryptographic technology is subject to export regulations, especially in the context of military applications.