Wireless Technology Quantum security takes to the skies
This month, CIE magazine sat down with Mark Medum Bundgaard, chief product officer at Partisia, a Danish-based company that pioneers Multi-Party Computation (MPC) and blockchain technologies, to discuss a new development in the field of quantum-secure communications
CIE: Can you explain how Quantum Random Number Generators (QRNG) and Multi-Party Computation (MPC) work together to achieve quantum-secure communications?
Mark Medum Bundgaard (MMB): QRNG devices produce truly random numbers, making them very useful for generating cryptographic key material, e.g., for encryption. On their own, however, they are not that useful for communication. A very strong cryptographic key has limited usability if management and distribution are difficult. This is where MPC provides value: MPC enables us to manage these very strong cryptographic keys without compromising on their security, and with the use of satellites, the distribution challenge is solved.
CIE: How does this technology differ from existing encryption methods in wireless communications? MMB: Functionally, this technology provides the same features as existing methods - as it should. It would have limited use if users had to restructure how they send encrypted communication. Where this technology differs is in the security provided. Whereas current methods provide only “computational” security, this technology provides “information theoretic” security. Computational security is the guarantee that “technology X is secure, provided mathematical problem Y is hard to solve by a computer”. Information theoretic security, on the other hand, states that “technology X is secure, period!”
CIE: Could you elaborate on the role of satellites in enabling this quantum communication system? MMB: The satellite in this system is where the QRNG resides. By placing it out of reach (literally) we can ensure a greater degree of physical security of the entire system. The use of a satellite for security also aligns with the use of MPC, which also attains its high- security guarantees from an assumption of inaccessibility, more specifically that no party can access all the parts at the same time.
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CIE: Why is it important to address quantum threats now? Are current wireless communication systems already vulnerable? MMB: Current research suggests that wireless communication systems are not yet vulnerable to quantum threats. However, it is generally believed that sufficiently capable quantum computers will arrive at some point in the future, and at that point, current “computationally” secure communication systems will become insecure. However, when this quantum computer arrives, it will be too late to make the switch. Much of the data we secure today will still be sensitive in a decade. So better to switch as soon as possible.
CIE: Partisia has recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Squareroot8 and NuSpace, which is said to mark a significant stride towards quantum-secure communications via satellites. This partnership aims to change the way sensitive data is transmitted, using advanced cryptographic methods combined with state-of-the-art quantum technology, housed aboard an operational satellite. What led to this collaboration, and what are the strengths each company brings to this initiative? MMB: Squareroot8/NuSpace have some unique competencies when it comes to satellites and QRNG; Partisia, on the other hand, is a leading expert in MPC systems. As explained above, these two technologies - QRNG on a satellite for key generation and distribution, and MPC for key management - make our companies ideal collaborators. The collaboration between Squareroot8, NuSpace, and Partisia was driven by a shared vision to advance the quantum technology ecosystem and a strong mutual interest in exploring real-world applications. While we come from different academic
Components in Electronics
CIE: What are the anticipated challenges in scaling quantum-secure communication systems globally? MMB: The main challenge is performing this scaling without having to revamp the physical infrastructure. Satellite QRNG + MPC is one way to do this, as it works on existing communication channels. However, although existing communication channels are used, there are still challenges related to launching satellites with the right software and deploying the MPC key management systems so that right security guarantees are obtained. A single satellite won’t suffice for a truly global system. Likewise, MPC solutions might not give optimal security if, for example, all the nodes are deployed in the same datacentre.
institutions, all three companies have deep academic roots and emerged as spin-offs from research environments. What brought us together is our complementary expertise - NuSpace is focused on quantum hardware, Squareroot8 specializes in software, and Partisia contributes deep knowledge in secure computation and cryptographic infrastructure. Rather than working in isolation, we saw the value in joining forces to accelerate innovation, bridge the gap between research and application, and help shape a thriving, collaborative quantum ecosystem.
CIE: How will this technology influence industries that rely heavily on secure wireless communication, such as defence, healthcare, and finance? MMB: It is our hope that our technologies can be used, not just for securing these sensitive industries, but also future- proofing them. More to the point, our solution enhances the cryptographic diversity of these systems, making them harder to compromise. The technologies of Squareroot8, NuSpace and Partisia adds another, and perhaps more crucially different, layer of security to the underlying core infrastructure. This should increase the overall security.
CIE: How do you foresee this innovation impacting everyday wireless technology for consumers in the future? MMB: From the end-user’s perspective, their communications will be significantly more secure without requiring any noticeable changes to their experience. As highlighted earlier, the benefits of our technologies for specific industries also extend to consumers: SquareRoot8, NuSpace, and Partisia’s solutions introduce a unique, additional layer of security to the everyday communication infrastructure. This strengthens overall consumer data protection, seamlessly and unobtrusively.
CIE: What is the timeline for seeing this technology implemented in real-world wireless communication networks? MMB: It is still early days for this technology, but with this, we are starting to push towards more secure communication in general, and over the next few years we will see more trying to solve this. From our perspective, the next few years are going to be important for trying to set some good standards for the future.
https://www.partisia.com/
www.cieonline.co.uk
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