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Cryptography
Current encryption methods securing most of today’s Internet traffic rely on the assumed hardness of mathematical problems such as factoring large integers. Progress in algorithms or the advent of powerful quantum computers could eventually allow adversaries to decrypt stored encrypted data. Quantum cryptography instead uses principles of quantum mechanics to secure communication. Its core technique is quantum key distribution (QKD), in which two parties create a shared secret key by transmitting fragile quantum states, typically single photons. Any eavesdropping attempt unavoidably disturbs these states and is revealed by statistical tests, making QKD a candidate for long term protection of highly sensitive information. Quantum cryptography is relevant for future proofing sensitive data, although today it is mainly deployed in niche, high value network links due to cost and distance limits.
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