By R. Anil Kumar
- ISRO Developing Satellite Based Quantum Communication Technology to Secure the Future of Computing in the Country
- Quantum communication employs a type of encryption known as quantum cryptography, which is impervious to hackers
- With this development, ISRO, Department of Space is getting ready for satellite-based demonstrations of fundamental quantum mechanics experiments as well as quantum communication for future-proof data security
Bangalore, November 1. The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is working on a new project — Satellite-based quantum communication technology to secure the future of computing in the country.
The Indian space agency recently showcased its project, the satellite-based quantum communication technique, at the Indian Mobile Congress (IMC) 2023.
At a time when spyware like Pegasus can infect almost any device or software, data breaches are a major concern.
To secure the future of computing in the country, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is working on a new project — Satellite-based quantum communication technology.
Is Quantum Communication Secure Against Hacking?
Quantum communication employs a type of encryption known as quantum cryptography, which is impervious to hackers.
This form of encryption enhances end-to-end security, notifying users if their information is being compromised.
In fact, the Indian space agency recently showcased its project, the satellite-based quantum communication technique, at the Indian Mobile Congress (IMC) 2023. ISRO’s IMC team emphasized on the importance of safeguarding regular communication with complex codes.
According to the expert, when powerful quantum computers become common, old security methods might not work. To address this challenge, the Indian space agency is using a new technique called quantum key distribution.
“We need a system capable of countering quantum computers, so we are implementing quantum key distribution,” say experts.
This method generates highly secure and random secret codes. With these codes, regular communication can be made exceptionally secure, so nobody can hack that.
In fact, ISRO, last month, successfully demonstrated free-space Quantum Communication over a distance of 300 meter. The demonstration included live video-conferencing using quantum-key-encrypted signals.
This is a major milestone achievement for unconditionally secured satellite data communication using quantum technologies.
According to ISRO, the Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) technology underpins Quantum Communication technology that ensures unconditional data security by virtue of the principles of quantum mechanics, which is not possible with the conventional encryption systems.
“The conventional cryptosystems used for data-encryption rely on the complexity of mathematical algorithms, whereas the security offered by quantum communication is based on the laws of Physics. Therefore, quantum cryptography is considered as ‘future-proof’, since no future advancements in the computational power can break quantum-cryptosystem,” ISRO explained.
