Hackers blinded by the light
Source: Vnunet
Scientists from Toshiba's research division, collaborating with the University of Cambridge, have made a discovery that may bring the concept of quantum encryption closer to reality.
The development of a Light Emitting Diode (LED) capable of firing a single photon, has prompted researchers to say the technology could be applied to optical communications as a security measure.
Quantum cryptography is one of the technologies the single photon source could be applied to.
The attraction of quantum cryptography is that fundamental laws of nature guarantee security, as any attempt by a hacker to read the single photon signals can be detected by the sender and intended recipient.
And in contrast to methods based on codes, the keys formed by quantum cryptography can, in principle, be completely uncrackable. The key is also changed every time.
