A quantum internet, which could be serviceable in about 10 years, would be used by organizations that manage sensitive data, such as government agencies, hospitals and financial institutions.
Developing a quantum internet requires the research team to produce “entangled” photons, meaning they are linked together despite being widely distanced and run across fiber-optic cables, satellites and wireless communication technologies. Entangled photons work better to protect data than the encryption employed today, as entangled photons ensure data is scrambled if a hacker reaches it.
“A quantum network, because of physics, is by definition completely secure,” Paul Dabbar, the Energy Department’s undersecretary for science, told The Wall Street Journal.
The project is funded by a part of the National Quantum Initiative’s $1.275 billion budget and will be announced at an event at the University of Chicago July 23.
More articles on cybersecurity:
Information security startups attract investments amid spike in cyberattacks
Emotet malware returns in new spam campaign: 5 things to know
Microsoft’s most critical vulnerabilities in the past 6 months
Microsoft’s most critical vulnerabilities in the past 6 months
At the Becker's 11th Annual IT + Revenue Cycle Conference: The Future of AI & Digital Health, taking place September 14–17 in Chicago, healthcare executives and digital leaders from across the country will come together to explore how AI, interoperability, cybersecurity, and revenue cycle innovation are transforming care delivery, strengthening financial performance, and driving the next era of digital health. Apply for complimentary registration now.