Aug 31 2010
The University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), and the Max Planck Institute for the Science of Light have designed and tested a method to exploit flaws in quantum cryptography devices to execute an attack. The research team also implemented countermeasures with ID Quantique manufacturer.
A security researcher is testing a quantum cryptography system to confirm the security vulnerability.
The quantum cryptography technology enables one to exploit quantum physics’ laws and distribute a cryptographic key throughout an optical network. The quantum cryptography technique is based on the Heisenberg uncertainty principle to expose eavesdropping on an fiber-optic. The Heisenberg uncertainty principle states that observation causes perturbation. The research team developed the method to remotely control an important element of the quantum cryptography systems.
ID Quantique’s Chief Executive Officer, Grégoire Ribordy stated that academic researchers will continue to test the security features of the quantum cryptography systems from the company.