Ensuring cybersecure communications is vital for every organisation, becoming more of a challenge when communication channels are cross-border. Quantum key distribution (QKD) and post-quantum encryption are going to be essential in securing future communications networks.
QKD and post-quantum
Ensuring cybersecure communications is vital for every organisation, becoming more of a challenge when communication channels are cross-border. Quantum key distribution (QKD) and post-quantum encryption are going to be essential in securing future communications networks.
QKD technology is the next major step in the provision of cyber-secured connectivity and security sensitive applications, as the use of quantum keys makes it possible to verify the integrity of digital communications.
Specially equipped fibre networks and hybrid satellite-terrestrial networks are required for long-distance communications. The key challenges reside in the interworking of all QKD devices involved in the system architecture as well as interfacing with existing end-users’ networks and infrastructures.
Nexova’s experts have been working on major European projects applying QKD techniques to counter intrusion, and exploring the possibilities of post-quantum encryption to provide further cybersecurity in the quantum computing era.
Seamless integration
The target for truly cybersecure networks is seamless integration of advanced quantum technologies with conventional systems without compromising QKD’s security capacity. Scalability of key generation, cross-network operability, encrypted data storage, last-mile connectivity and holistic end-to-end security are all targets to maximise the benefits of QKD for cybersecurity – and, later, for post-quantum encryption too.
Our teams work on the identification of use cases and development of quantum test beds. The definition, verification and validation of focussed use cases is expected to guide future international QKD solutions, serving European Union (EU) aspirations of digital sovereignty and strategic autonomy.
Creating real-life operational demonstrations helps with the assessment of technology and security compliance, and with identification of future QKD policy requirements. Nexova is at the forefront of these developments in Europe, making us the ideal partner for such cybersecurity projects and programmes.