What is the quantum key distribution?
The government inaugurated C-DOT (Centre for Development of Telematics) Quantum Communication Laboratory and unveiled indigenously developed Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) solution.
key points of Quantum key Distribution
■ The government has also allocated US$ 1 billion for the National Mission on Quantum Technologies and Applications (8 years).
■ QKD which is also called quantum cryptography. A mechanism to develop secure communication.
■ It provides a way to distribute and share secret keys which are necessary for cryptographic protocols.
■ Cryptography is the study of secure communication techniques that allow only the sender and intended recipient of a message to see its contents.
■ Cryptographic algorithms and protocols are essential to keep systems secure, especially when communicating through unreliable networks such as the Internet.
■ Traditional cryptosystems used for data encryption rely on the complexity of mathematical algorithms, whereas the security offered by quantum communications is based on the laws of physics.
What is Quantum communication?
■ Quantum Communication Quantum Cryptography or Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) is the most secure method of communication or data exchange which ensures ‘Symmetric Encoded Key’ distribution. In this, photon which is a ‘quantum particle’ is used for communication.
■ Various quantum key distribution protocols are designed to ensure that any manipulation of the photons used in communication can bring the entire communication system to a halt.
Working System of Quantum key Distribution
■ In QKD encryption keys are sent as ‘qubits’ or quantum bits with the help of optical fibre.
■ Optical fiber is capable of transmitting more data over longer distances and faster than other mediums. It works on the principle of total internal reflection (TIR).
■ QKD implementation requires interactions between legitimate users and these interactions need to be authenticated.
This can be achieved through various cryptographic means.– QKD allows two distant users, who do not initially share a secret key, to generate a common, random string of secret bits, called a secret key.
■ The end result is that QKD can use an authenticated communication channel and turn it into a secure communication channel.
■ It is designed so that if an illicit entity tries to read the transmission, it will obscure the qubits encoded on the photon.
■ This will generate transmission Qubits Quantum computer works on the quantum theory of physics. In contrast, modern computers work on the laws of electric flow of physics.
Quantum mechanics theory
This is a theory of modern physics under which the nature and behavior of a substance is studied at its atomic level.
■ A normal computer stores its information in bits whereas in a quantum computer the information is stored in ‘quantum bits’ or ‘qubits’.
■ While normal computers can only operate on one binary input (0 or 1) during processing, quantum computers can operate on both binary inputs simultaneously. This ability of quantum computers is called quantum superposition.
■ Even a quantum computer with less than 100 qubits can easily solve problems with very large data that are beyond the capacity (even in theory) of a modern computer.
■ A quantum computer is housed in a large air-conditioned server room where several central processing units are stacked (together).
■ The theoretical idea of quantum computer has been around among researchers since the 90s, but it could be given concrete form in the year 2011. Major work in this area has been done by D-Wave Systems, a Canadian company.NeedQKD is essential to remove external threats in quantum computing to protect the data being used in various critical areas through current communication networks.
Benefits of Quantum key Distribution
■ This technology will be useful in enabling various startups and small and medium enterprises in the field of quantum information.
■ It is expected to help in defining standards and formulating policies related to crypto technology.
Importance of Quantum key Distribution
■ Data Leak Detection: It allows detection of data leaks or hacking as it can detect any such attempts.
■ Predetermined error level: This is the error between the intercepted data.Also allows the process of setting levels.
■ Unbreakable Encryption: The method of carrying data through photons is unbreakable encryption.
■ A photon cannot be copied exactly and any attempt to measure it will disturb it. This means that as soon as an attempt is made to intercept the data, it will become known to the consumer.