For ‘classic’ cryptographic standards, there are authorities to certify system security. But where do you go when you’re using quantum cryptography? Eindhoven University of Technology hopes to become the place to be for quantum cryptography certification.
Eindhoven University of Technology (TUE) is setting up a security test environment for quantum key distribution (QKD) technology in real-world applications. Along with accelerating the adoption of quantum cryptography, TUE aspires to become a worldwide hub for quantum security validation and certification.
In QKD, quantum properties of photons such as polarization state and entanglement are used to create cryptographic keys. These keys, in turn, are used to establish safe communication channels. QKD’s strength lies in the fact that anyone attempting to eavesdrop on the key will be caught. This is inherent to the quantum nature of the key: quantum mechanics dictates that any measurement to a quantum system disturbs the system. Hence, any attempt by third parties to reveal the key will lead to detectable anomalies.
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