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Indian scientists have achieved a significant milestone in cybersecurity, introducing a groundbreaking method for generating truly unpredictable random numbers essential for robust encryption in quantum communications. This breakthrough promises to revolutionise data protection strategies, ensuring enhanced security for sensitive information in the digital age.
The Quantum Information and Computing (QuIC) lab at Raman Research Institute, Bengaluru, under the Department of Science and Technology, recently conducted a pioneering photonic experiment. This experiment demonstrated the violation of Leggett-Garg Inequalities (LGI), a crucial test for quantum behaviour without loopholes. Building on this foundation, researchers collaborated with institutions like the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), IISER-Thiruvananthapuram, and the Bose Institute, Kolkata, to harness LGI violations for generating truly random numbers.
“We have successfully generated random numbers using temporal correlations certified by the violation of Leggett-Garg Inequality, ensuring loophole-free randomness,” explained Professor Urbasi Sinha, Lead Researcher at RRI’s QuIC lab and corresponding author of the study published in Physical Review Letters.
In today’s digital landscape, where cybersecurity is paramount, the reliability of encryption keys and passwords hinges on the unpredictability of random numbers. This new method addresses vulnerabilities at the initialisation stage, offering robust protection against attacks that exploit predictability.
“The certified random numbers are crucial for encryption, authentication, and maintaining data integrity, crucially reinforcing trust and security in digital interactions,” noted Professor Sinha.
The approach not only strengthens password security and resilience against brute-force attacks but also enhances account protection and prevents forgery through multi-factor authentication. The streamlined single-particle setup used in the experiment eliminates the complexities of traditional entanglement-based systems, paving the way for compact and commercially viable random number generators.
“By replacing the conventional entangled particle setup with a single-particle scheme based on temporal measurements, we achieved over 900,000 random bits at a rapid rate, making it suitable for diverse applications requiring high-speed randomness,” highlighted Pingal Pratyush Nath, PhD student at IISc and First Author of the study.
India is actively harnessing quantum technology to bolster cybersecurity and advance towards becoming a more resilient nation. The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) launched two pivotal calls for proposals aimed at driving innovation and technological advancement within the telecommunications sector.
These initiatives categorised as ‘5G Intelligent Village’ and ‘Quantum Encryption Algorithm,’ aim to leverage cutting-edge technology to promote digital inclusion, economic growth, and secure communication channels across India.
The Quantum Encryption Algorithm (QEA) initiative represents a pioneering effort to enhance digital security by harnessing principles from quantum mechanics. This algorithm is designed to offer unprecedented security levels, advanced encryption capabilities, and highly efficient data protection methods.
The DoT encourages collaborative efforts to realise the potential of 5G and quantum encryption technologies for building a resilient digital future. These initiatives foster indigenous research, design, prototyping, proof-of-concept testing, intellectual property rights (IPR) creation, field testing, security certification, and manufacturing of telecommunications products.
Underpinning these efforts is the Telecom Technology Development Fund (TTDF), administered through the Universal Services Obligation Fund (USOF) of the DoT. The TTDF provides a robust framework to support the entire lifecycle of technological development within the telecommunications sector, ensuring India remains at the forefront of innovation in digital communications.
Looking ahead, quantum innovation and the truly unpredictable random number generation hold promise beyond cybersecurity, extending to economic surveys, drug development, and other fields reliant on provable unpredictability. With ongoing advancements, this quantum-driven approach is set to redefine data encryption and cybersecurity paradigms globally.
