ISRO demonstrates hack-proof quantum communication

• IAS NEXT, Lucknow
• 04, Feb 2022

Reference News:-

In a major step forward towards satellite-based quantum communication, scientists from Ahmedabad-based Space Applications Centre and Physical Research Laboratory successfully demonstrated quantum entanglement.

• Using real-time Quantum Key Distribution (QKD), they conducted hack-proof communication between two places separated by 300 meters.

Significance:

Quantum communication is one of the safest ways of connecting two places with high levels of code and quantum cryptography that cannot be decrypted or broken by an external entity.

• If a hacker tries to crack the message in quantum communication, it changes its form in such a manner that would alert the sender and would cause the message to be altered or deleted.

What you need to know about this technology?

Typical encryption relies on traditional mathematics and while for now it is more or less adequate and safe from hacking, the development of quantum computing threatens that.

• Quantum computing refers to a new era of faster and more powerful computers, and the theory goes that they would be able to break current levels of encryption.
• QKD works by using photons — the particles which transmit light — to transfer data.
• QKD allows two distant users, who do not share a long secret key initially, to produce a common, random string of secret bits, called a secret key.
• Using the one-time pad encryption this key is proven to be secure to encrypt and decrypt a message, which can then be transmitted over a standard communication channel.

 Significance of this technology:

• The encryption is “unbreakable” and that’s mainly because of the way data is carried via the photon. A photon cannot be perfectly copied and any attempt to measure it will disturb it. This means that a person trying to intercept the data will leave a trace.
• The implications could be huge for cybersecurity, making businesses safer, but also making it more difficult for governments to hack into communication.