• Question: Is this assuming RSA is broken or implementing large scale quantum cryptography, or trying to create something completely different, and if so, based on quantum theroy or mathematics?

    Asked by Dr Kev to Freya on 19 Jun 2015.
    • Photo: Freya Wilson

      Freya Wilson answered on 19 Jun 2015:


      What an excellent question Dr Kev!

      RSA is weak – with enough computing power it can be broken in a reasonably straight forward way. Something called One-Time pad is the best- you and your friend both have a key which can be used one time to make the perfect encryption. Unfortunately this is hard work to set up. So we are trying to use quantum cryptography to create this key with minimum hassle.

      It is similar in style to implementing large scale quantum cryptography that you might have read about- something called BB84 is the most popular. However, this method is quite different! Most quantum cryptography uses ‘entangled particles’ whereas we use the ‘uncertainty principle’. Ours is also the only one that works in microwaves – most others work using light or lasers- not at all suitable for phones, wifi, GPS and other satellite communications.

      I hope this helps! Feel free to ask me more about this 🙂

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