I think this is the perfect place to discuss the possibilities of quantum cryptography. It seems to have become a reality now. Let's discuss whether this truly is unbreakable! We've heard it before, but is it different this time?
Perfect secrecy has come a step closer with the launch of the world's first computer network protected by unbreakable quantum encryption at a scientific conference in Vienna.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sci/tech/7661311.stm
shoehorn
Oct19-08, 02:45 PM
No encryption can be "unbreakable."
This holds by definition.
Greg Bernhardt
Oct19-08, 04:24 PM
No encryption can be "unbreakable."
This holds by definition.
So if someone could break it then that would mean we have to rewrite the science books?
CRGreathouse
Oct19-08, 05:16 PM
No encryption can be "unbreakable."
This holds by definition.
One-time pad? Quantum entanglement?
mgb_phys
Oct19-08, 07:15 PM
It's not encryption it's only secure fibre links - this is not new (although the range might be a record)
It does however solve a problem that isn't the problem - it stops you being able to eavesdrop on a fibre by patching into the fibre.
If you have traffic data encrypted with modern algorithms like AES this isn't a problem.
The main drawback is that you can still eavesdrop everytime it goes through a switch or router - this technique only works for a single unbroken length of single mode fibre between two points.
DaleSpam
Oct24-08, 02:31 PM
I don't see how this would protect from a "man in the middle" attack either. It seems a lot of effort for little benefit.
mgb_phys
Oct24-08, 03:03 PM
It doesn't.
It's the classic security thing - a technology solution to a human problem.
eg. the cleaners found someone's password in the trash: solution double the number of bits in the encryption.