04 September 2006
Quantum Cryptography
A very interesting technology has just been shown by Northwestern University and BBN Technologies. The technology is being called the first "quantum cryptographic data network".
The networks have been built and shown in both Boston and Cambridge and involve sending keys as packets of light along with the data. Any attempt at viewing the key changes the characteristics of the quantum particle instantly allowing the administrators to know that someone is looking at the data. Also to improve security, the key is not the same every time, new keys are sent.
This is a great improvement in security, but of course the only people who will see it are those using fiber networks. Until fiber is installed in people's homes this technology will not be accessable to smaller business and household users. That being said, the wait will probably not be very long either.
The networks have been built and shown in both Boston and Cambridge and involve sending keys as packets of light along with the data. Any attempt at viewing the key changes the characteristics of the quantum particle instantly allowing the administrators to know that someone is looking at the data. Also to improve security, the key is not the same every time, new keys are sent.
This is a great improvement in security, but of course the only people who will see it are those using fiber networks. Until fiber is installed in people's homes this technology will not be accessable to smaller business and household users. That being said, the wait will probably not be very long either.
Labels: encryption, security
