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NewsCalgary

Researchers boost data security
0

By
Sean McCann,Calgary Sun

First posted: Wednesday, July 13, 2011 4:44:47 MDT PM

University
of Calgary researcher Dr. Wolfgang Tittel demonstrates the quantum key
technology developed by his group working in conjunction with SAIT on Wednesday,
July 13. It's a method of ensuring data security over the internet. SEAN
McCANN/CALGARY SUN

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Researchers at the University of Calgary and SAIT are making no secret of a
new encryption technology.

A joint project between the two institutions has found a way to use light to
ensure information transmitted digitally remains secure even as technology
changes.

Dr. Wolfgang Tittel, U of C professor and leader of the group that made the
discovery, said they have developed a quantum key that can’t be tampered
with.

The system, Tittel said, is based on measuring and understanding the
properties of light particles called photons.

The quantum key can be thought of as short pulses of light transmitted on
fibre optic cable through which most Internet traffic already travels.

If the key is tampered with, the properties of the light changes, allowing
users to know if it has been compromised.

“These keys ... have the particular feature that, if they are corrupted, they
would tell us about being corrupted,” he said.

“If we find that no one has not tapped into this key, we can use it to
securely transmit information.”

The quantum key, he added, can secure information even as technology
evolves.

“Secure information would be secure, in principle, forever.”

“That’s a very powerful thing that you do not generally get in the
traditional telecommunications world.”

Tittel said that users exchange the keys before sending information.

If the key is intercepted or tampered with, the users are made aware and a
different key can be sent, ensuring the information stays secure.

Tittel added this system meets the needs to securely transmit information
such as medical records, financial information and government
communications.

Alberta Minister of Advanced Education and Technology Greg Weadick said the
discovery is an example of how two Alberta institutions can collaborate on
innovation.

He added the applied aspect of the research is exciting.

“The applications are truly global for this work,” he said.

The quantum key has attracted the attention of General Dynamics Canada, and
vice-president Chris Pogue says there are wide potential applications for the
technology in military and first-responder fields.

Currently the quantum key works over a distance of up to 100 km, but Tittel
said his group is working on extending that range, and also the rate at which
the keys can be distributed.

[email-masked]

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