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Keeping our information safe for the long term

July 14, 2011

By Leanne Yohemas

Researchers from the University of Calgary and SAIT
Polytechnic have developed a system that allows the distribution of secret
keys. Quantum keys can be used to encrypt and decrypt sensitive messages
using tiny light particles, so-called photons, to send keys.

Today’s communication security is threatened by faster computers and
better code-breaking algorithms, and will become obsolete with the advent
of the quantum computer. Researchers at the University of Calgary and SAIT
Polytechnic have demonstrated that they can send an unbreakable quantum
key between the institutions. This is a significant milestone in
Canada.

“The unique partnership between these two Campus Alberta institutions
demonstrates our province’s collaborative spirit and our drive to
innovate,” says Greg Weadick, minister of advanced education and
technology. “This technology is ahead-of-its-time and the potential
commercial applications could be a big step forward for Alberta’s
knowledge-based economy.”

Often, information needs to be kept secure for 50 years or more,
meaning the encryption method must withstand technological and algorithmic
advances over time. Quantum encryption is advanced technology that can
withstand these tests, while current encryption methods do not.

“This technology enables long-term safeguarding of personal, industry
and government information,” says Wolfgang Tittel, a professor in the
science faculty and the NSERC/GDC/Alberta Innovates - Technology Futures
Industry Chair in Quantum Cryptography and Communication.

“This technology outperforms currently available commercial systems in
several aspects and highlights Alberta as an area with practical quantum
communication capabilities.”

Tittel and his research team have demonstrated that they can send a
signal between the University of Calgary and SAIT using photons over
fibre-optic cables used in traditional telecommunications. This signal,
essentially a key that will later on be used to lock and retrieve
information by means of encryption, cannot be copied or eavesdropped on
without notice. If this happens, then this key will change, the legitimate
sender and receiver will know that an interloper is trying to eavesdrop,
and they won’t use the key any more.

The multi-disciplinary approach and collaboration between the
university and SAIT is a unique aspect of Tittel’s program.

“This is a new type of collaboration that emphasizes a modern,
problem-solving approach and requires experimental and theoretical skills
stretching across a large variety of intellectual and technical
boundaries,” says Elizabeth Cannon, president of the University of
Calgary. “It will help to encourage new programs in training first-class
technicians and researchers to work in this area.”

Students and faculty in both institutions have been actively engaged in
the project.

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