Close
  • Latest News
  • Artificial Intelligence
  • Big Data and Analytics
  • Cloud
  • Networking
  • Cybersecurity
  • Applications
  • IT Management
  • Storage
  • Sponsored
  • Mobile
  • Small Business
  • Development
  • Database
  • Servers
  • Android
  • Apple
  • Innovation
  • Blogs
  • PC Hardware
  • Reviews
  • Search Engines
  • Virtualization
Read Down
Sign in
Close
Welcome!Log into your account
Forgot your password?
Read Down
Password recovery
Recover your password
Close
Search
Logo
Logo
  • Latest News
  • Artificial Intelligence
  • Big Data and Analytics
  • Cloud
  • Networking
  • Cybersecurity
  • Applications
  • IT Management
  • Storage
  • Sponsored
  • Mobile
  • Small Business
  • Development
  • Database
  • Servers
  • Android
  • Apple
  • Innovation
  • Blogs
  • PC Hardware
  • Reviews
  • Search Engines
  • Virtualization
More
    Home Cybersecurity
    • Cybersecurity

    Unbreakable Crypto: Who Needs It?

    By
    Dennis Fisher
    -
    November 4, 2002
    Share
    Facebook
    Twitter
    Linkedin

      A New York-based startup on Monday announced that it has a working prototype of a device capable of employing quantum cryptography to encode keys on existing high-speed networks. However, cryptographers say the system likely holds little value for enterprises.

      MagiQ Technologies Inc. is among the first companies to announce its intention to sell a commercial solution based on the concept of quantum cryptography. Code-named Navajo, the system comprises an appliance at either end of the communications link, capable of generating keys and encoding them one photon at a time.

      Quantum cryptography relies on the properties of photons and the laws of quantum mechanics, which dictate that an eavesdropper wouldnt be able to read or even observe a photon without changing its state. That would alert the receiver that the message had been intercepted and was no longer secure.

      Because of these properties, quantum cryptography long has been considered the Holy Grail of cryptography. There has been quite a bit of hype and misinformation surrounding research in this field, and the companies that attempt to commercialize the technology will face a lot of scrutiny from both security experts and crackers. MagiQ officials acknowledge this and say theyre taking all due caution to ensure that they dont make any mistakes.

      “Were going to take our time on this because we need to get this right,” said Andrew Hammond, vice president of MagiQ. “We have a working prototype now and well start the beta in the first quarter.”

      But, some cryptography experts say theres no practical security reason for enterprises to move to quantum cryptography if and when it hits the market.

      “Think back to all the computer-security vulnerabilities and break-ins and hacks and disasters. Can you think of any that can be traced to a key-generation problem?” said Bruce Schneier, a well-known cryptographer and CTO of Counterpane Internet Security Inc. in Cupertino, Calif. “This device doesnt solve a problem that people have. Its like weve put a stake in the ground to block an oncoming army, and were arguing whether the stake should be a mile tall, or a mile-and-a-half tall. Honestly, the army will just go around the stake.”

      Navajo is due for release in the latter part of 2003.

      The appliances have some built-in security features designed to prevent anyone from compromising one of the keys. For example, if the appliance is moved or if its case is cracked open, the key in use is automatically zeroed out.

      Hammond said MagiQ initially will target government agencies, financial services companies and other enterprises with a lot of intellectual property to protect. And the fact that the solution will work on existing networks should make it all the more appealing.

      “Were not asking customers to dig new fiber or change their operating practices to leverage quantum cryptography,” Hammond said.

      Dennis Fisher
      Get the Free Newsletter!
      Subscribe to Daily Tech Insider for top news, trends & analysis
      This email address is invalid.
      Get the Free Newsletter!
      Subscribe to Daily Tech Insider for top news, trends & analysis
      This email address is invalid.

      MOST POPULAR ARTICLES

      Latest News

      Zeus Kerravala on Networking: Multicloud, 5G, and...

      James Maguire - December 16, 2022 0
      I spoke with Zeus Kerravala, industry analyst at ZK Research, about the rapid changes in enterprise networking, as tech advances and digital transformation prompt...
      Read more
      Applications

      Datadog President Amit Agarwal on Trends in...

      James Maguire - November 11, 2022 0
      I spoke with Amit Agarwal, President of Datadog, about infrastructure observability, from current trends to key challenges to the future of this rapidly growing...
      Read more
      IT Management

      Intuit’s Nhung Ho on AI for the...

      James Maguire - May 13, 2022 0
      I spoke with Nhung Ho, Vice President of AI at Intuit, about adoption of AI in the small and medium-sized business market, and how...
      Read more
      Applications

      Kyndryl’s Nicolas Sekkaki on Handling AI and...

      James Maguire - November 9, 2022 0
      I spoke with Nicolas Sekkaki, Group Practice Leader for Applications, Data and AI at Kyndryl, about how companies can boost both their AI and...
      Read more
      Cloud

      IGEL CEO Jed Ayres on Edge and...

      James Maguire - June 14, 2022 0
      I spoke with Jed Ayres, CEO of IGEL, about the endpoint sector, and an open source OS for the cloud; we also spoke about...
      Read more
      Logo

      eWeek has the latest technology news and analysis, buying guides, and product reviews for IT professionals and technology buyers. The site’s focus is on innovative solutions and covering in-depth technical content. eWeek stays on the cutting edge of technology news and IT trends through interviews and expert analysis. Gain insight from top innovators and thought leaders in the fields of IT, business, enterprise software, startups, and more.

      Facebook
      Linkedin
      RSS
      Twitter
      Youtube

      Advertisers

      Advertise with TechnologyAdvice on eWeek and our other IT-focused platforms.

      Advertise with Us

      Menu

      • About eWeek
      • Subscribe to our Newsletter
      • Latest News

      Our Brands

      • Privacy Policy
      • Terms
      • About
      • Contact
      • Advertise
      • Sitemap
      • California – Do Not Sell My Information

      Property of TechnologyAdvice.
      © 2022 TechnologyAdvice. All Rights Reserved

      Advertiser Disclosure: Some of the products that appear on this site are from companies from which TechnologyAdvice receives compensation. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site including, for example, the order in which they appear. TechnologyAdvice does not include all companies or all types of products available in the marketplace.

      ×