The second quantum revolution is expected to bring about a plethora of new technologies, as increased control and understanding of quantum systems become possible. Quantum communication technologies offer new ways to securely exchange information, which is increasingly crucial in today's world. In this talk, we introduce emerging quantum communication technologies and explain their relevance and differences to existing communication technologies. SURF is currently evaluating the usefulness of quantum technologies for the Dutch research community, and researchers are invited to discuss potential benefits in their research and respond to an open call for proposals on quantum communication for research.

1. Teodor Strömberg
25 May, 2023
Quantum
cryptography
for research

2. Data security
Do you think about security of your data?
Cryptography happens in the background.
It is often taken for granted.
This might change in the near future!

3. How is data transmitted securely?
Public-key cryptography
Data can be send by distributing padlocks
Only the owner of the key can open them

4. How does it work?
Public-key cryptography
Padlocks are mathematical functions.
Easy to compute in one direction (locking the lock)
Very hard to compute in the other direction without additional
knowledge (the key)

5. How does it work?
RSA
Multiplying prime numbers is easy
Factoring a number in terms of primes is hard!
534520601 × 3608102731 = 1928605240243861331
421941974176996157 = ? × ?
Public key
(padlock)
Private key

6. Breaking encryption
Factoring
Factoring takes exponentially long on regular computers
421941974176996157

7. Breaking encryption
Factoring
Quantum computers can factor large numbers efficiently!
421941974176996157
46236461 ×
9125741137

8. Classical vs quantum

9. Why worry now?
• Hard to predict when encryption will be broken.
• We might only know after it happens.
• Eavesdroppers can store data now and decrypt it later

10. What are the solutions?
Quantum key distribution
Uses quantum physics to securely distribute cryptographic keys
Anyone attempting to eavesdrop will be detected

11. Quantum key distribution
Keys are distributed using single particles of lights
Commercial QKD solutions are starting to become available

12. Securing your data
Do you work with sensitive data?
For example:
• Medical records
• Census data
• Proprietary data
• Confidential data
We would like to hear from you!

13. Open Call for
Quantum Cryptography Use Cases
Is your data safe?
Do you work with sensitive
data? Are you interested in
exploring quantum encryption
technologies? Then reach out
to us at:
teodor.stromberg@surf.nl
Want to learn more?
Scan the QR code!
0100011011110
1001010011011
0011010010110
0110001110111
0100110010101
0
1
0
1
0
1
0 1
1
0
1
0
1 01
0
1
0
1
01
0
1
1
1
0
0
1
1
0
0
1
01
0
1
Scan me!