Quantum cryptography is a method of encryption that uses the naturally occurring properties of quantum mechanics to secure and transmit data in a way that cannot be hacked. Cryptography is the process of encrypting and protecting data so that only the person who has the right secret key can decrypt it. Quantum cryptography is different from traditional cryptographic systems in that it relies on physics, rather than mathematics, as the key aspect of its security mode[1].

Figure. 1. Quantum Computing Cryptograpy Nist

Quantum cryptography is a science that applies quantum mechanics principles to data encryption and data transmission so that data cannot be accessed by hackers – even by those malicious actors that have quantum computing of their own. The broader application of quantum cryptography also includes the creation and execution of various cryptographic tasks using the unique capabilities and power of quantum computers. Theoretically, this type of computer can aid the development of new, stronger, more efficient encryption systems that are impossible using existing, traditional computing and communication architectures[2].

Need of Quantum Computing

• Could sensitive information harvested and stored today could potentially be decrypted in the future by large-scale quantum computers? Basically, if you are transmitting encrypted information today with an algorithm that could be broken by a quantum computer, it would be possible for malicious actors to intercept that information.
• The good news is that it is absolutely possible to avoid the risks of quantum machines with today’s technology. Quantum-resistant cryptography, which is available now, can protect personal data from threats down the road[3].

Benefits of quantum cryptography

• Provides secure communication-Instead of difficult-to-crack numbers, quantum cryptography is based on the laws of physics, which is a more sophisticated and secure method of encryption.
• Detects eavesdropping-If a third party attempts to read the encoded data, then the quantum state changes, modifying the expected outcome for the users.
• Offers multiple methods for security-There are numerous quantum cryptography protocols used. Some, like QKD, for example, can combine with classical encryption methods to increase security[1].

References:

1. https://www.techtarget.com/searchsecurity/definition/quantum-cryptography#:~:text=Quantum%20cryptography%20is%20a%20method,secret%20key%20can%20decrypt%20it.
2. https://sectigo.com/resource-library/quantum-cryptography
3. https://www.archonsecure.com/blog/quantum-resistant-cryptography

Cite this article:

Sindhu.C (2022), Quantum Cryptograpy, Anatechmaz, pp.32