Quantum Encryption Just Got Faster, The Future Of Cybersecurity Is Here

One of the biggest advantages to quantum computing, apart from the substantially faster data processing speed, is the cybersecurity benefits. Quantum encryption is basically impossible to crack, but the downside with current quantum technology is that it is still slow. Thanks to a recent breakthrough, however, quantum encryption might be applied without interfering with certain daily activities.

As Engadget notes, previous quantum encryption technology was not fast enough to be applied to activities like chatting or calls. Fortunately, the march of progress is proving to be relentless since researchers just revealed that they developed quantum encryption that is up to 10 times faster than what has been achieved before.

In the paper that the researchers published, the authors noted how current encryption technology is being threatened by advancing quantum computing. A quantum computer could make minced meat out of most current encryption methods. With what the researchers call quantum key distribution (QKD), however, tampering with data would be noticed right away.

“We use high-dimensional quantum states that transmit more than one secret bit per received photon, alleviating detector saturation effects in the superconducting nanowire single-photon detectors used in our system that feature very high detection efficiency (of more than 70%) and low timing jitter (of less than 40 ps),” the paper reads.

Unfortunately, the technology is still imperfect due to hardware issues, Futurism notes. While QKD is virtually hack-proof when sent between two suitable devices, it can still be vulnerable to interception. Of course, this is only to be expected since it is new technology.

What’s more, QKD is currently the single best encryption option available today. As such, it’s fair to say that the technology and hardware will undergo steady refinements until it becomes viable for everyday use. At that point, widespread adoption could effectively lead to a steep reduction in hacking and malware incidents.