The future of video conference is quantum-encrypted
Quantum physics always fascinated me. They speak of Astronomy and Infinity. The fact that I can’t understand any of it and until recently couldn’t figure any practical use also added to the charm. I considered it almost like art or poetry. Utterly useless, therefore essential.
But quantum physics have now very practical applications.
This 29th of October, two scientists had the first quantum-encrypted video conference. President Chunli Bai of the Chinese Academy of Sciences in Beijing and President Anton Zeilinger, of the Austria Academy of Sciences in Vienna, had the most private meeting ever. For the first time in the history of video conferences, nobody could overhear their conversation. The communication was sent to Micius, a Chinese satellite in space then sent back down to earth. This way seems to be the better option to explore the quantum network. Traditional solutions, such as fibre-optic cables, can induce signal loss when sending photons.
As a conferencing services provider, we are always on the lookout for Telecoms’ security innovations, to protect our customers’ data. You can see why we are thrilled.
Quantum computing
These last years have seen tremendous improvements in quantum applications, quantum computers being at the centre of research. They would be prompter than our current machines and would have the power to decipher much of the world’s encrypted communications. Numerical keys currently protect personal, financial and government data. A conventional computer cannot decode them, as trying every possible combination would be too long. But a quantum computer could quickly unlock numerical data, as qubits don’t need as much time to process information as classic bits.
Quantum-safe communications
Researchers are investigating new ways to secure communications to answer and match the progress of quantum computing. One approach is quantum key distribution, QKD. It involves transmitting a key of photon 1s and 0s that is encoded by quantum effects so that only the designated receiver can use it. As long as the keys from the emitter, transmitter and receiver match, each side is sure nobody violated their stream. If a “trespasser” manages to catch the communication, the conversation drops. That is the technology used for that first video conference between Beijing and Vienna.
For now, this type of encryption works for two guests. How would it work for a video conference gathering more people?
Until quantum-encrypted communications are available to the public, we recommend you to be careful to your conference calls, mostly HR conference calls or clients’ communications.
Our best recommendation is to use 247meeting Mobile app. You control your Guestlist by picking their names in your smartphone’s built-in contact list. You call all your guests at once and can see at any instant who is on your call.