New quantum encryption method prevents ciphertext from being cloned
Digital security currently relies on difficult equations to protect data. For example, when you use a credit card online, the information is locked inside a math problem that would take a modern computer thousands of years to solve. However, if someone builds a powerful enough computer, that security breaks.
Quantum encryption researchers have developed a method that prevents intercepted data from being accurately split between multiple recipients. This is made possible through the no-cloning theorem, a principle in quantum physics that forbids the creation of identical copies of unknown quantum states. By encoding a one-bit message into a quantum ciphertext, the researchers utilize a secret digital key to obscure the hidden 0 or 1 bit across an array of quantum states.
When the recipient measures these states together, the correct message is revealed. If an attacker intercepts and attempts to duplicate the data, quantum physics interferes, rendering the copied information useless. The intended recipient, who possesses the same key, can then accurately retrieve the message. As more quantum states are employed, the chances of both recipients correctly identifying the hidden bit approach a 50/50 probability, akin to flipping a coin.
Consequently, the encryption becomes exponentially more secure. This efficient, unclonable encryption, developed by Prabhanjan Ananth and Amit Sahai, eliminates previous limitations and provides information-theoretic security.
Written by urgent.news from Phys.org's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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