30 November 2004 - Cambridge, UK
Advancement in quantum cryptography ensures robust intrusion detection on networks
Trials with MCI prove the technology is ready for commercial application
First customers expected to be banks and large data-sensitive enterprises
Toshiba today announced a major breakthrough in the race towards the unhackable network. Researchers at Toshiba Research Europe Ltd in Cambridge have identified a robust and user-friendly way to use quantum cryptography to detect unauthorised eavesdropping, as well as distribute secret keys, on optical fibre networks. As a result of this innovation, quantum cryptography could now be used in commercial networks. The first beneficiaries are likely to be banks and other large corporations with sensitive information.
A recent trial of the system on installed telecom fibre, held in conjunction with the global communications provider MCI, demonstrated the ability to send secret keys for an entirely automated and uninterrupted session of nearly one week. Previous attempts lasted only minutes and required continual adjustment by experts.
The security of quantum cryptography relies on the ability to encode the bit material for the secret keys on individual photons (the ‘particles’ of light) sent along the fibre. However, these quantum bits are extremely sensitive to fluctuations in the transmission apparatus, such as temperature changes, or even tiny movements of the fibre.
Toshiba, whose system also holds the distance record for complete key transfer, has eliminated these problems by introducing a unique technique that preserves quantum information over long propagation distances. This allows the quantum cryptography system to be self-initiating and to operate continually, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, without any human management.
Dr Andrew Shields, group leader, Quantum Information Group, Toshiba Research Europe Ltd, said: “Quantum cryptography can provide organisations whose business relies on information security an efficient and cost effective method to distribute and manage secret keys.”
Andrew continued: “In addition, they obtain a solution that is fundamentally secure and therefore independent of the relentless advance in computing power. The technology is now sufficiently mature to be used in real world situations and we are currently discussing applications with interested parties.”
The first application of quantum cryptography is to distribute secret keys. These keys, long strings of 0's and 1's, are the basis of secure communications and transactions in computer networks. For the security of such systems, it is important that the keys not only remain secret, but also that they are regularly refreshed. The Toshiba system serves keys at a rate of up to 100 per second and provides an absolute guarantee of the secrecy of each one.
Uniquely quantum cryptography provides a means to distribute keys in a manner that is fundamentally secure and therefore independent of future developments in computing and code breaking. The technique is not only future proof, but also provides a convenient method for key distribution and management that allows companies and organisations to build self-reliant secure networks.
Potential users of quantum cryptography include any organisation using IT and communications technology to send, receive and store sensitive information - from banks and retailers to central and local Government.
“Toshiba's trial on our global IP network is yet another example of how MCI is collaborating with industry leaders to bring next generation products, services and capabilities to market,” said Jack Wimmer, MCI vice president of network architecture and advanced technology. “We will continue to build upon our heritage of innovation to enable our customers to do business in more technologically advanced and efficient ways.”
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