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Quantum Cryptography: Global Developments (Technical Insights)
Frost & Sullivan, March 2005
Lack of Certification Creates Doubts about the Authenticity of Quantum Cryptography Products
The emerging quantum cryptography industry is inundated with innovative, yet inadequate innovations from numerous universities. However, the enthusiasm generated by the few products introduced by companies has been marred by the complete lack of standards. Hence, there is an urgent need to draw up a clear set of certification criteria to enable developers to sell their technologies better. Companies manufacturing cryptography products have begun to collaborate with certification agencies to fully earn the trust of their consumers. Currently, the sale of quantum cryptography tools is below par and even the ones sold are mainly used to leverage existing cryptosystems by providing them an extra layer of security.
This Technical Insights study, Quantum Cryptography, examines innovative technologies that are fast making their way toward commercialization. The research service defines key markets and applications and reports on technology drivers as well as obstacles in the way of commercial success.
The Banking Industry to Obtain Fail-safe Security Solutions by Using Quantum Cryptosystems
While most existing cryptosystems use mathematics to create their codes, quantum cryptography systems depend on quantum physics, which enables quantum cryptosystems to offer absolute security. Such high levels of security will be particularly useful in industries such as banking. Quantum cryptosystems - based on the principle of quantum key distribution and Heisenbergs principle of uncertainty - provides devices with fail-proof codes and ensures that hackers cannot intercept or tamper with the transmitted message. Instead of sending information along cables through electronic signals, these systems use polarized photons that are so sensitive that when intercepted, immediately become corrupted, notes the analyst of this research. This renders the message unintelligible and cautions both sender and intended recipient to the spying attempt.
Quantum entanglement, which uses entangled photons, is one of the latest tools that can create unbreakable communication codes to secure money transactions. This branch of quantum physics, called ‘particle entanglement’, has been researched for many decades, but has found practical applications only recently. This science involves linking large particles in such a way that disturbance of a single particle affects the other. This way, quantum cryptosystems can guarantee top-of-the-line security for banks’ e-commerce systems and help them automate a larger number of transactions.
Insecurity Prompts Wider Adoption of Quantum Cryptosystems
As an emerging technology targeting a niche market, quantum cryptography will require many modifications before it can become a viable commercial proposition. One of the main factors that are expected to influence the development of this technology is the insecurity of the people. Spam, viruses, and hackers have repeatedly troubled technology users and they have been constantly seeking respite by adopting new systems to ensure complete security. The only problem that technology developers will face is the need to convince users that the algorithms that they are currently using are grossly inadequate and could soon become outmoded.
Another technology driver is the quantum computer. Potential users awareness of the importance of this technology could prove to be vital as far as quantum cryptography technology is concerned. Once quantum computers catch on, existing cryptosystems are expected to become obsolete due to the computational speeds and capacity of these computers. However, there is still much to be done before this technology becomes popular, notes the analyst. Although this technology is currently being used, it is more an add-on security measure than the main security system itself.
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