Quantum Cryptography Introduced in Netherlands
Quantum key distribution is a technology that exploits the laws of quantum physics to securely exchange encryption keys. Combined with conventional encryption techniques, it brings network security to an unprecedented level. id Quantique (idQ) and Siemens IT Solutions and Services (SIS) have partnered to introduce this technology to the Dutch market.
With organizations relying ever more on data networks to transfer mission-critical information between sites, securing this infrastructure becomes essential. Conventional encryption techniques exist to guarantee the confidentiality of data communications. The security of these schemes relies on the secrecy of the encryption key, a random sequence of 0’s and 1’s used to scramble data.
Quantum key distribution is a technology that exploits the laws of quantum physics to securely exchange an encryption key between two sites and to verify whether or not it has been intercepted. Combining quantum key distribution technology with conventional encryption allows the infrastructure to reach an unprecedented level of security.
Quantum key distribution products have been commercially available for a few years, and idQ has developed a solution combining this technology with high-speed conventional encryption. This solution is compatible with most networks currently in use, and will allow SIS to provide high-security data communications to its highly demanding customer base.
“This new collaboration is an important step in the development of id Quantique. It not only allows us to strengthen our presence in the 5th European IT market, but also to partner with one of the global IT services players” explains Grégoire Ribordy, CEO of idQ.
The two companies will collaborate to offer solutions based on idQ’s high-speed encryption and quantum key distribution technologies to Dutch customers in the public and private sector.