The government recently inaugurated the Centre for Development of Telematics’ (C-DOT) Quantum Communication Lab and unveiled the indigenously developed Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) solution. This forms part of a sizeable investment of USD 1 billion allocated for the National Mission on Quantum Technologies and Applications over the next 8 years.
About Quantum Key Distribution
Quantum Key Distribution, or QKD, a component of Quantum Cryptography, is a mechanism designed to foster secure communication. The concept forms the backbone of cryptographic protocols, which are fundamentally about sharing secret keys securely. Cryptography finds its application in ensuring that only the sender and intended recipient can access the content of a message, particularly crucial when communicating over an untrusted network, such as the internet. Unlike traditional cryptosystems banking on complex mathematical algorithms for data encryption, quantum communication pins its faith on the laws of Physics for security.
The inner workings of Quantum Key Distribution
At the heart of the modus operandi of QKD are “qubits,” or quantum bits, which function as the encryption keys. These qubits get transmitted via optical fibers, known for their ability to transmit larger volumes of data across long distances swiftly. This mode of operation hinges on the principle of total internal reflections. QKD necessitates authenticated interactions between the users. Various cryptographic means can help achieve this. QKD enables users at distant locations, who don’t have a long secret key at the outset, to generate a common, random string of secret bits, i.e., a secret key.
Features of Quantum Key Distribution
QKD ingeniously morphs an authenticated communication channel into a secure one. It is designed such that any attempt by an unauthorized entity to read the transmission would disturb the qubits – encoded on photons – resulting in transmission errors, thereby instantly alerting legitimate end-users of any intrusion.
Role of Qubits in Quantum Computing
Unlike conventional computers that process information in ‘bits’ or 1s and 0s based on classical physics, quantum computers leverage the properties of quantum mechanics, which determines the behaviors of matter at the atomic scale, to compute in qubits. In this new paradigm, processors can simultaneously be a ‘1’ and a ‘0’, a state known as quantum superposition. This ability of a quantum computer allows it to mimic several classical computers working in parallel.
Why Quantum Key Distribution is Needed
The exponential advancement in Quantum Computing poses a significant threat to the security of data transported by various critical sectors through current communication networks. This is where QKD comes in, promising a safeguard against this potential risk.
Benefits of Quantum Key Distribution
QKD holds immense value for start-ups and small and medium enterprises operating in the quantum information domain. It can pave the way for the formation of standards and cryptographic technology-related policies.
Significance of Quantum Key Distribution
QKD boosts data security by detecting leaks or hacking attempts as it can detect such efforts. It also enables the process of setting the error level between intercepted data. The encryption offered by QKD is unbreakable owing to the peculiar nature of the photon, the carrier of information. Photons cannot be perfectly duplicated, and any attempt at measuring them will inevitably cause a disturbance. Therefore, any interception attempt will undoubtedly leave a trace.