Quantum cryptography has entered a new phase on its path
from the laboratory into business with a major series of
demonstrations to the Bank of England and the Department of Trade
and Industry.
Bankers, government officials and top quantum computing experts
gathered in London to see demonstrations by Qinetiq, Toshiba
Cambridge and MagiQ using quantum cryptography over fiber optic
cable and in free air.
At the event, research minister Lord Sainsbury, speaking
exclusively to Computer Weekly, announced government plans to run a
wider series of demonstrations and road shows to get take-up of
this revolutionary security technology.
“Quantum cryptography is now in cost range and therefore banks
should be looking at it,” said Lord Sainsbury.
“We would need to keep this going until people are doing things
for real,” he added.
Stuart Brocklehurst, a former vice-president of Visa
International and currently adviser to its European president, said
that quantum cryptography can be used now.
“There are niche applications such as linking datacentres which
can be done now, and there is no reason not to,” he said. “The main
challenge is linking and running big banking networks using this
technology.”
“There is too much theoretical talk – we need to get stuck in
for real and get starting implementation. Quantum cryptography is
currently being done by physicists – but it needs to engage
cryptographers and bankers. The people here [at this demonstration]
are working hard to do this."