The security of data traffic is a major challenge for modern society in the context of advancing digitalisation. In the foreseeable future, powerful quantum computers will be ready for use that are capable of breaking the encryption methods commonly used today, which are based on the complexity of mathematical calculations.
Business and society therefore need solutions that can meet the security requirements of the coming years and decades. Quantum encryption stands out in particular. It makes it possible to trace the security of data transmission back to the validity of fundamental laws of quantum physics and, in conjunction with quantum computer-resistant encryption methods, is thus the method of choice for protecting sensitive information of critical infrastructures such as financial systems, telecommunications networks, electricity and water supply, transport networks, industrial plants, federal authorities.
The mission of QuNET is to make the communications of the future secure against eavesdropping and tampering.
The aim of the research network QUBE is to develop and demonstrate core technologies for worldwide tap-proof communication using satellite-based quantum key distribution.
The "Quantum Key Transmission from a CubeSat to the Ground (QUBE II)" collaboration is pursuing the goal of developing a miniature satellite that is capable of full quantum key distribution.
The R-QIP project addresses quantum error correction techniques to protect quantum computations from errors that occur due to hardware failures. (Image: Adobe Stock)