A new network for secure data transfer using quantum technology has gone into operation today.
The network has been developed by the QCI.DK project, Danish Quantum Communication Infrastructure. Among the 10 locations connected by the new network are the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark, the Ministry of Defence, the Ministry of Business and Competitiveness, and the Ministry of Science, Higher Education and Digital Affairs.
With the new quantum-secure network, Denmark is taking a decisive step towards securing communication. Both today and in the future, when quantum computers have become commonplace.
“Denmark is among the global leaders in quantum research, and we are starting to see the full impact of our massive investment in this field. With the quantum network, we are making an important advancement in enhancing the security of the infrastructure and communications that are essential to a well-functioning society. The quantum network represents a step into the future and will, in the long term, provide us with an advantage in the fight against increasingly sophisticated cyber threats,” says Christina Egelund, Minister of Science, Higher Education and Digital Affairs
To maintain a stable society, data must be protected in new ways
Every day, encrypted data networks in Denmark and elsewhere are targeted by cyberattacks. Because data is used to control critical infrastructure, including power grids, water supply systems, and financial transactions, these attacks are a constant threat to the very foundation of our society. For this reason, sensitive data is already being encrypted.
However, even data encrypted by today’s standards is not safe, as sensitive data is being harvested daily to be decrypted once the development of new quantum computers provides the necessary computing power. This approach is known as “harvest now, decrypt later”.
Large data companies such as Google predict that encrypted data harvested today can be decrypted by powerful quantum computers as early as 2029.
Securing data using future-proof security based on quantum encryption
The new network offers a solution to this challenge by providing a form of encryption based on the exchange of secret keys generated from the quantum states of light. The technology is called Quantum Key Distribution, QKD.
This is a new form of symmetric key distribution based on the laws of quantum physics that offers future-proof protection against attacks by quantum computers. The Continuous Variable quantum approach enables the QKD technology to operate within existing fiber telecommunications networks without modification.
The new network is an important first milestone, but the ambition goes further. The technology can be used to protect everything from hospitals and banks to energy companies and critical infrastructure.
“Our collaboration with partners and participation in the QCI project has allowed us to transform research into real quantum products at a much faster pace. This has led us to a new stage where we can truly make a difference for secure communications, as demonstrated by the new secure network,” says Tobias Gehring, researcher at DTU and leader of the project.
During the project, Tobias Gehring, together with colleagues from DTU, has founded a spin-out company, Celare Quantum Communications, aims to commercialise the technology used in the new quantum network.
The next step will be taken as part of the European EuroQCI project, which aims to establish a quantum-secure communications network between EU Member States. Initially, Denmark will establish quantum-secure connections with Sweden and Poland.
In connection with the new quantum-secure network two ministers who are also part of the network state:
Minister of Business and Competitiveness Martin Lidegaard:
"Digital threats demand innovation and decisive action, which is why it is more important than ever to secure Danish engagement and the advancement of new technologies. As quantum computers are developed, the threat posed by digital attacks increases. The new network based on quantum technology represents a significant step towards future-proofing our most sensitive communications. It demonstrates that quantum technology is already making a difference in our society, and that Denmark is transforming research into tangible solutions with both commercial and security-related potential."
Minister of Defence Jeppe Bruus:
“We find ourselves in a security policy context where new technologies are of crucial importance to the Armed Forces and to our ability to protect Denmark. The collaboration on the new quantum communications network is a good example of how partnerships between industry and universities can help strengthen Denmark’s and the Armed Forces’ digital security.”
