In the era of total digitalization, the problem of data security and confidentiality has become one of the key issues for business. Large corporations around the world are engaged in the implementation and development of quantum computing, and experts predict a tangible threat to information security from quantum computers in the next 50 years. This idea was expressed by Alexey Santiev, a researcher at "SMARTS-Kvanttelecom," at the Forum of Future Technologies.
The Russian company "SMARTS-Kvanttelecom" has developed a quantum key system. This is a device that allows you to transmit information in the most secure way. Currently, the technology is used by state-owned enterprises, and in the future, quantum keys will be popular in B2B and B2C models.
The device allows you to generate symmetric bit keys between remote users by transmitting quantum states. These are called quantum keys. Since their formation uses a quantum state, the resistance of these keys ultimately comes down to the laws of quantum physics. Therefore, these keys cannot be intercepted or brute-forced, even with large computing power, or even a quantum computer. The application and implementation of these devices will be relevant when a quantum computer appears, when the modern infrastructure on which information security is built will be threatened due to the possibility of brute-forcing keys into the system.
Currently, the development is being implemented in the infrastructure of JSC "Russian Railways". The company was the first in the country to decide to develop quantum communications. By 2024, the carrier plans to build a quantum network with a length of at least 7 thousand km.
According to Santiev, the quantum key system will primarily be used by companies and organizations that operate the most critical information systems. Subsequently, a full transition to the B2G (business-to-government) segment is expected.
"Currently, based on the backbone quantum networks that have already been created in JSC "Russian Railways", various service models for providing services are being developed and implemented in practice, so that it is possible to enter the B2B segment, and then, possibly, the B2C segment," Santiev notes.
According to the scientist, you don't have to wait for the appearance of a quantum computer to introduce these developments. The sooner the transition to a new infrastructure occurs, the more threats can be prevented. As for the future of quantum technologies, humanity is on the verge of the Second Quantum Revolution. Scientists and developers around the world are actively preparing for it – this is the most promising and at the same time dangerous technology.
"In the mid-20th century, we witnessed the First Quantum Revolution, when humanity learned to control the properties of collective ensembles of particles, various transistors appeared, microelectronics appeared, which we all use now - a big revolution took place. Now we are witnessing the Second Quantum Revolution, when humanity is learning to effectively control individual quantum particles and their properties. Of course, the breakthrough of quantum technologies in all areas can be compared to what we saw in the mid-20th century with the advent of microelectronics," Santiev concluded.