Large-scale quantum computing may still be decades away, but the underlying physical laws are already being exploited in other parts of the technology industry.

One of the most active areas is cybersecurity, where SK Telecom Co. Ltd. and Deutsche Telekom AG hope to take the lead. The carriers established a new industry group at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona today that will focus on harnessing quantum mechanics to improve data encryption. According to their launch announcement, the first phase of their effort will focus on creating a common standard for the so-called quantum cryptography systems that are starting to hit the scene.

The implementations vary, but most rely on the same core set of principles to handle encryption. At the core of the technology is a technique known as quantum key distribution that involves transmitting the cipher used for encrypting and decrypting a given piece data in the form of photons over an optical network link.

As a result of the famous observer effect, measuring these particles during transmit changes their state, which makes it possible to easily identify if someone has been eavesdropping. Users can then simply switch to a new encryption key.

SK and Deutche Telekom hope that creating a standard for quantum key distribution will make it easier for security providers to create commercial versions of the technology. After defining the initial specification, the carriers will start developing developer tools with the goal of speeding up adoption even further.

Network World reports that one of the main priorities for the initiative is overcoming the range limitations of quantum cryptography. The technology can currently be used only if data is sent over an uninterrupted fiber optic cable. That’s becausee using a switch, amplifier or any other traditional means of  increasing the transmission distance triggers the observer effect. SK and Deutsche Telekom are working on a “trusted node” that they claim can circumvent this issue.

The Quantum Alliance, as the carriers are calling their group, will actively collaborate with the rest of the tech industry. SK and Deutche Telekom plan to start recruiting additional members in the coming months.

Source: Pixabay