Latest news with #QKD
Mint
3 days ago
- Business
- Mint
Mint Explainer: As banks brace for quantum attacks, is India moving too slowly?
Banks and financial institutions worldwide are gearing up for the day when quantum computers become stable enough to potentially break traditional encryption, which could cause massive data breaches, falsified transactions, identity theft, and large-scale market manipulation. To guard against this, major players such as JPMorgan, Mastercard, Barclays, Citigroup and Wells Fargo are adopting quantum-resistant or post-quantum cryptography (PQC) encryption that's designed to resist such attacks. JPMorgan, for instance, has launched a quantum-secured, crypto-agile network (Q-CAN) in Singapore using quantum key distribution (QKD), in which encryption keys are encoded in light particles. Since merely observing a quantum particle changes it irreversibly, any hacking attempt disrupts the signal, exposing the tampering. The bank is also aligning its systems with the latest National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) standards. In March it collaborated with Honeywell-owned Quantinuum and national labs to generate certified quantum-based random numbers to strengthen cryptographic systems. Also read: India quantum startups win record grants; move closer to real-world applications Last November, Banque de France and the Monetary Authority of Singapore tested quantum-resistant algorithms to encrypt and sign emails across conventional internet systems. They now plan to expand PQC trials to cross-border payment networks. Meanwhile, Mastercard has tested NIST candidate algorithms and explored QKD integration in its global network, despite challenges with compatible hardware. If vendor support continues, Mastercard expects QKD could be ready for deployment within five years. Why the tearing hurry? One may ask: shouldn't financial institutions wait until quantum computers are stable and market-ready, especially since some experts see this happening within 10 years, while others say it will take until 2035-2040? In the computers we use in homes and offices today, two bits can represent one of four possible states—00, 01, 10, or 11—but only one at a time. In contrast, two quantum bits (qubits) in a quantum computer can represent all four states simultaneously, thanks to superposition and entanglement properties, effectively functioning like four classical computers in one. For now, though, while a quantum computer's power grows exponentially when you add more qubits, this also induces more errors. Still, the reason for developing quantum-resistant cryptography quickly is the fear that hackers can steal and store data now, and wait until Q-Day (when quantum computers surpass classical computers) to decrypt it using a quantum machine. This form of attack is known as 'harvest now, decrypt later'. Traditional encryption at risk Banks, stock exchanges, insurance firms and fintech platforms depend on public-key cryptography to secure transactions, protect user identities, and maintain the integrity of their operations. They typically use a combination of encryption methods to ensure security, combining the strengths of both symmetric and asymmetric cryptography. Symmetric encryption uses a single key to encrypt and decrypt data. It's fast and efficient, and thus often used for securing large amounts of data. For instance, it's used when your phone encrypts stored files and by HTTPS websites after conducting an initial handshake. However, the challenge is safely sharing the key between sender and receiver. Asymmetric encryption, on the other hand, uses two keys: a public key to encrypt data and a private key to decrypt it. Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) and Data Encryption Standard (DES) are both symmetric encryption algorithms. Storing data such as customer records or transaction logs relies heavily on AES, especially AES-256, due to its strong security and speed. RSA and ECC on the other hand are examples of asymmetric encryption algorithms. RSA stands for Rivest-Shamir-Adleman, named after its three inventors. It's one of the most widely used encryption methods and secures data using a pair of keys, one public and one private. ECC stands for Elliptic Curve Cryptography, which also uses key pairs but relies on mathematical curves for encryption. Quantum computers, using Grover's algorithm, can find the encryption key used with AES much faster than a classical computer. With Shor's algorithm – quantum algorithm developed by American mathematician Peter Shor in 1994 – a quantum computer can effectively break asymmetric encryption such as RSA and ECC. Also read: Three govt arms join forces to shield India in the quantum computing era Classical computers can take more than 1,024 years to break such algorithms, but quantum computers could do so in a matter of hours using Shor's algorithm. It is estimated that quantum computers could break RSA-2048 in a few hours or less, once they have around 4,000 qubits. (Currently, IBM's Condor has 1,121 qubits; it is targeting a 100,000-qubit system by 2033). In 2021 the Bipartisan Policy Center, a think tank in Washington, DC, estimated that a quantum attack could cause trillions of dollars in economic losses if financial systems remained unprotected. The World Economic Forum has listed quantum attacks on encryption as one of the top 10 cybersecurity threats. By 2029, Gartner predicts that 'advances in quantum computing will make asymmetric cryptography unsafe and by 2034 fully breakable". How are Indian financial institutions preparing for this? In a December 2024 white paper titled 'Securing the Indian Banking Sector in the Age of Quantum Computing', the Reserve Bank Innovation Hub (RBIH) said Indian banks can stay protected from quantum attacks by leveraging the expertise of technology companies and research institutions, adopting a phased approach, and prioritising critical infrastructure. The 2025 Thales Data Threat Report revealed that 68% of respondents in India believe quantum computers could eventually break current or future encryption algorithms, exposing data once considered secure. About 55% of respondent organisations in India said they were prototyping or evaluating PQC solutions, and 49% said they were assessing their encryption strategies. Only 40% said they were placing their trust in telecom or cloud providers to manage the transition. About 56% identified key distribution vulnerabilities, where quantum advancements could undermine the secure exchange of encryption keys. In addition, 58% highlighted the 'harvest now, decrypt later' threat. Also read: What Microsoft's quantum computing breakthrough means for the world Chief information security officers (CISOs) and chief technology officers (CTOs) in India's banking, financial services, and insurance (BFSI) sector have a moderate understanding of quantum computing, with 'an average PQC readiness score of just 2.4 out of 5", highlighting 'a lack of preparedness", according to a 14 May report by the ISB Institute of Data Science titled 'Quantum Resilient Banking: Strategies for a Secure Transition'. The report found that that 57.5% of respondents believed quantum computing would pose a significant threat within three years. Yet, while common security measures such as firewalls and endpoint protection are widely implemented, advanced techniques such as intrusion detection systems and vulnerability management tools remain underutilised, the report added. India, which launched its National Quantum Mission (NQM) in 2023 with an outlay of ₹6,003 crore, is promoting a cohort of startups with the aim of jumpstarting India's capabilities in quantum technologies. With NQM, India plans to develop quantum computers with 50-100 qubits in about five years, and 1,000 qubits and beyond in eight years. While QNu Labs in Bengaluru is focused on developing quantum-safe networks to enable secure communications, QPiAI India, also based in Bengaluru, has already built a 25-qubit superconducting quantum computer. Others such as Chennai-based Quantica Computacao are developing quantum cryptographic tools to help protect banking transactions. Further, the all female-founded Qkrishi Quantum and the Indian Institute of Information Technology-Kottayam (IIIT-K) have partnered to conduct research in quantum finance. Easier said than done The post-quantum cryptography market was valued at $356.4 million in 2023 and is forecast to touch $17.69 billion by 2034, according to ResearchandMarkets. The market encompasses a variety of approaches including lattice-based, hash-based, and multivariate cryptography. Authors of the RBIH note, for instance, specifically recommend lattice-based cryptographic techniques, which offer 'a promising defence against emerging quantum risks... [as they are] designed to be resistant to both classical and quantum attacks." QNu Labs recommends Quantum Random Number Generators (QRNGs) since they 'exploit quantum phenomena to create truly random numbers, a crucial element in strong encryption". Implementing new cryptographic standards could take 10 to 15 years owing to major operational hurdles, though rapid adoption by some tech firms will speed up protections for many users, according to a note by Moody's. While saying the scale of the transition was hard to quantify, it likened the task to the years-long effort to fix the Y2K bug, and moving from fossil fuels to renewables. Also read | Google's Willow: Quantum computing's next big leap? The note also cautioned that performance slowdowns are expected, as quantum-resistant algorithms require larger key sizes and heavier computation. Integrating these standards will demand significant IT expertise and pose technical challenges across legacy systems. A recent note by Infosys unit EdgeVerve Systems cautioned that banks "must address the operational complexities of transitioning to new algorithms, such as managing data retention policies, replacing legacy cryptographic methods, and updating existing infrastructure". It concluded that without a well-defined road map, banks risked falling behind in securing their systems against quantum threats.
Business Standard
3 days ago
- Business
- Business Standard
IIT Delhi Launches First-of-its-Kind PG Diploma in Advanced Communication Engineering Integrating Quantum Networking and AI
PNN New Delhi [India], May 28: In a landmark initiative set to redefine the future of telecommunications, the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi has announced the launch of its inaugural Online Postgraduate Diploma in Advanced Communication Engineering with Quantum and AI Integration. Offered by the Bharti School of Telecommunication Technology and Management at IIT Delhi, this first-of-its-kind programme brings together three transformative technologies--Artificial Intelligence (AI), Quantum Networking and Advanced Wireless Communications--within a single, interdisciplinary curriculum. Developed for professionals operating at the forefront of technological innovation, the twelve-month online programme provides deep technical expertise and hands-on experience. Learners will develop proficiency in machine learning applications for network optimisation, secure quantum communications and deployment of high-efficiency wireless networks using tools like MIMO systems, Software-Defined Radios (SDRs) and Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) protocols. Learners can expect to graduate with capabilities tailored to critical roles including Quantum Communication Engineers, AI & ML Specialists in Telecom, 5G/6G Network Engineers and Cybersecurity Experts specialising in quantum-safe infrastructures. The global quantum communication market, currently valued at USD 1.10 billion, is projected to expand at a CAGR of 31.8% through to 2030, while the AI market is expected to reach USD 1.81 trillion by the same year. In India alone, roles linked to 5G and 6G are anticipated to grow by over 30% annually over the next five years. This programme directly addresses the growing skills gap in these high-demand sectors, combining rigorous academic foundations with real-world applications and lab-based experiential learning. Speaking at the launch of its inaugural batch, Prof. Manav R. Bhatnagar, Programme Co-ordinator, Professor and Head, CEPQIP IIT Delhi said, "Learners will gain exposure to real-world case studies, ranging from quantum-secured networks to AI-enhanced spectrum efficiency. It is a truly unique opportunity to engage with frontier technologies that are shaping global communications." Prof. Abhishek Dixit, Professor and Programme Co-ordinator, IIT Delhi added, "In an era where data integrity and secure communication are paramount, our curriculum ensures that learners gain not only conceptual understanding but also the technical prowess required to build resilient communication frameworks." The curriculum spans 27 academic credits delivered across eight carefully curated courses, including core modules such as Introduction to Machine Learning, Communication Systems and Networking, MIMO Wireless Communications, Information Processing, etc. Learners also engage in an intensive 60-hour capstone project and benefit from a campus immersion experience at IIT Delhi. Sessions are delivered Live via Direct-to-Device (D2D) mode, supplemented with lab tutorials and collaborative projects under the guidance of IIT Delhi faculty and industry experts. The programme is open to graduates from disciplines such as Electronics and Communication Engineering (ECE), Electrical Engineering (EE), Computer Science (CSE), Information Technology (IT), Data Science, Mathematics or Applied Physics, with requisite professional experience. Admissions are merit-based, involving a comprehensive review process. Participants will also gain affiliate alumni status from IIT Delhi, access to the Academic Bank of Credits (ABC) and specialised career services. About Indian Institute of Technology Delhi: Indian Institute of Technology Delhi is one of the 23 IITs created to be Centres of Excellence for training, research and development in science, engineering, and technology in India. Established as the College of Engineering in 1961, the Institute was later declared as an Institution of National Importance under the "Institutes of Technology (Amendment) Act, 1963" and was renamed as the "Indian Institute of Technology Delhi". It was then accorded the status of a Deemed University with powers to decide its own academic policy, to conduct its own examinations, and to award its own degrees. IIT Delhi has been ranked consistently in the top 5 management institutes and ranked as the 1st institute in Research and Professional Practice as per NIRF 2022 and NIRF 2021 Management Category rankings. Continuing Education Programme (CEP), IIT Delhi Executive education is a vital need for companies to build a culture that promotes newer technologies and solutions and builds a workforce that stays abreast of the rapidly transforming needs in the technological, business and regulatory landscape. Committed to the cause of making quality education accessible to all, IIT Delhi has launched Online Certificate Programmes under eVIDYA@IITD, enabling Virtual & Interactive learning for Driving Youth Advancement @IITD for Indian as well as international participants. These programmes offered by the Indian Institute of Technology Delhi (IIT Delhi) are designed to cater to the training and development needs of various organisations, industries, society and individual participants at national and international levels with a vision to empower thousands of young learners by imparting high-quality Online Certificate Programmes in cutting-edge areas for their career advancement in different domains of engineering, technology, science, humanities and management. [The press release has been produced on behalf of the Service Provider for Continuing Education Programme (CEP), IIT Delhi]
Korea Herald
4 days ago
- Business
- Korea Herald
Toshiba Showcases Quantum-Safe Networks with SpeQtral and Ciena to Prepare Singapore Businesses for the Quantum Era
SINGAPORE, May 27, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Toshiba Asia Pacific Pte. Ltd. (TAPL), a subsidiary of Toshiba Corporation, is set to showcase its latest quantum-safe network platform at Asia Tech Singapore (ATxSG) 2025. This demonstration highlights Toshiba's commitment to advancing quantum-safe communications by leveraging collaborative efforts with SpeQtral, a leader in quantum communications technology, and Ciena, a global provider of high-speed connectivity solutions. The companies will present quantum-safe optical encryption solutions by combining Toshiba's Multiplexed Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) technology with Ciena's high-capacity modular transport platform equipped with proven optical encryption capabilities, enabling robust, quantum-safe data transmission for the digital future. The collaborative showcase highlights the following innovations: "There is a growing need to create networks that are not only faster and more adaptable, but also capable of withstanding future quantum-enabled threats. Through this demonstration with Toshiba and SpeQtral, Ciena is showcasing a potential solution to protect and future-proof communication of sensitive data," said Matt Vesperman, Vice President, Asia Pacific, Ciena. Chune Yang Lum, Co-Founder and CEO of SpeQtral, said: "As quantum threats shift from possibility to inevitability, building future-ready networks is essential and needs to start today. Our collaboration with Toshiba and Ciena demonstrates a clear path to integrating and scaling quantum security within existing network infrastructure. Now is the time for forward-looking organisations to lead the charge and secure their digital future." "Toshiba is committed to advancing quantum technology from the lab to real-world practice. By fostering strong collaborations across the region, we are enabling organizations to confidently embrace quantum innovations. Our joint efforts with Ciena and SpeQtral highlight the practical benefits of quantum-safe communication, ensuring that businesses in Singapore and Asia Pacific can operate securely and efficiently in a rapidly evolving digital landscape," said Hiroshi Tsukino, Corporate Vice President of Toshiba Corporation and Vice President of ICT Solutions Division at Toshiba Digital Solutions. Since 1999, Toshiba has led innovation in quantum cryptography, achieving several world-firsts such as: Toshiba's advanced QKD systems deliver exceptional performance, enabling secure key transmission over longer distances and at higher rates than competitors. With the opening of a £20 million Quantum Technology Centre in Cambridge dedicated to developing quantum-secure networking solutions, including PQC integration, Toshiba remains committed to advancing quantum communication technologies and shaping a quantum-safe future. Experience Toshiba's latest Quantum-Safe Solutions at ATxSG 2025, Booth 3P3-8, Singapore Expo Hall 3, from May 27-29, with live demonstrations of cutting-edge QKD technology. Prepare today to secure tomorrow's data with Toshiba's quantum-safe solutions. About Toshiba Asia Pacific Pte. Ltd. Toshiba Asia Pacific Pte. Ltd. (TAPL), a subsidiary of Toshiba Corporation, was established in 1995 as Toshiba's regional headquarters for operations in Southeast Asia, India and Oceania. Apart from its head office in Singapore, Toshiba Asia Pacific has overseas offices in Bangladesh and Vietnam. TAPL supports Toshiba companies in the Asia Pacific region with a strong focus on expanding our business in Energy Systems, Social Infrastructure Systems, Devices & Storage and Digital solutions. TAPL's commitment aligns with Toshiba's unwavering drive to solve global social issues by advancing the quest for carbon neutrality and resilient infrastructure by creating integrated value-add solutions.
India Gazette
12-05-2025
- Business
- India Gazette
C-DOT partners with Synergy Quantum to develop Drone-based secret sharing communication system
New Delhi [India], May 12 (ANI): The Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT), the premier telecom R&D institution under the Government of India's, Department of Telecommunications (DoT) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Synergy Quantum India Private Limited on Monday, which aims to develop Drone-based Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) systems.'The Mou aims to formalise cooperation between C-DOT and Synergy Quantum in the development of Drone-based Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) systems, leveraging the decoy-based BB84 protocol with polarisation encoding, at Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 6 or above,' the Ministry of Communications said in a association aligns with the goals to strengthen 'national vision of strengthening indigenous research and innovation under the 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' initiative and enhancing India's capabilities in emerging and secure telecom technologies,' the statement added. 'The convergence of public R&D and private innovation is essential to shaping a secure and self-reliant digital future for India,' said Rajkumar Upadhyay, CEO, C-DOT, adding 'By combining our research depth with industry agility, we aim to jointly develop solutions that not only address national priorities but also contribute to India's emergence as a global player in quantum innovation.'Additionally, this partnership also aims at co-creation of research proposals for national and international grant applications and dissemination of outcomes through scholarly publications, white papers, and other platforms and Key representatives from both organizations may also engage in delivering expert talks, short courses, and organizing symposia, conferences, and meetings on timely research Oberoi, Founder and CEO of Synergy Quantum India, stated that, 'this partnership has the potential to position India as a global leader in drone-based quantum secure communications.'In March, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) announced the 5G Innovation Hackathon 2025, a six-month initiative aimed at accelerating the development of innovative 5 G-powered solutions to address societal and industrial challenges. (ANI)
Time of India
12-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
C-DOT, Synergy Quantum to develop key tech for drone-based systems
New Delhi: In a major step toward advancing India's capabilities in secure communication, the Centre for Development of Telematics ( C-DOT ) on Monday signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Synergy Quantum India to place the country at the forefront of drone-based quantum secure communications. This partnership aims to jointly develop cutting-edge Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) technology, specifically designed for drone-based systems. C-DOT, the premier telecom R&D organisation under the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), and Synergy Quantum, a deep-tech company specialising in quantum technologies , will work together to create QKD systems based on the BB84 protocol using polarisation encoding. The project will target Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 6 or higher, marking significant progress in the development of quantum-secure communication. The MoU supports the national goal of boosting indigenous innovation under the "Atmanirbhar Bharat" initiative. The collaboration is set to strengthen India's position in emerging telecom technologies, especially in quantum communication -- a key area for future-proofing critical infrastructure and ensuring data security. As part of the agreement, both organisations will collaborate on research, co-develop grant proposals for national and international funding, and publish their findings through scholarly articles and white papers. They will also host symposia, conferences, and training programmes to spread awareness and share knowledge on this vital subject. Speaking at the signing ceremony, Dr Rajkumar Upadhyay, CEO of C-DOT, highlighted the importance of combining public sector R&D strength with private sector agility. "Quantum technologies hold immense promise for next-generation secure communications. This collaboration reflects our shared vision of building indigenous capabilities and contributing to India's role as a global leader in quantum innovation," he said. Echoing the same sentiment, Jay Oberoi, Founder and CEO of Synergy Quantum India, said, "We are excited to partner with C-DOT. This initiative has the potential to place India at the forefront of drone-based quantum secure communications." Together, they aim to build a strong foundation for quantum-safe telecom infrastructure that can be used in defence, emergency services, government communication, and other sensitive sectors.
