Colt is going to collaborate with Nokia and Honeywell to Explore safe networks to quantum threats through Satellite communications. As part of the initiative, companies want to test new ways to protect traffic encrypted in optical network against the risks posed by quantum computing, which could leave vulnerable data to certain threats.
The speed with which quantum computers could break traditional encryption methods is much greater than that a conventional computer can reach, which could put the data at risk.
One of the most promising advances in this field is the quantum distribution of keys, although it currently has an important limitation: terrestrial physical restrictions limit its reach to about 100 kilometers.
To achieve global coverage of the quantum distribution of keys, technology can be transferred to space to overcome these limits. Colt, Nokia and Honeywell plan to explore safe quantum cryptography, with tests of spatial and underwater techniques that are resistant to quantum computing attacks.
In this test they will assess the quantum distribution of keys through satellites in low terrestrial orbit in order to achieve ultralargas distances and transatlantic coverage.
The three companies seek to achieve with this that their clients benefit from the potential of quantum computing to solve urgent challenges while protecting them from their risks. This test can be interesting for organizations responsible for large volumes of very sensitive data. Among them financial companies, the health and pharmaceutical sector, and government agencies.
Before starting the test, Colt, Nokia and Honeywell have written a technical document with more details about the risks, threats and opportunities offered by quantum cryptography.
The advertisement of the test involves the continuity of the pilot test that Colt Technologies presented last March for the exploration of safe networks in the face of quantum threats in terrestrial networks.
