'Unbreakable' encryption introduced

[Greg Bernhardt]

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]

No encryption can be "unbreakable."

This holds by definition.

 

[Greg Bernhardt]

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]

No encryption can be "unbreakable."

This holds by definition.

One-time pad? Quantum entanglement?

 

[mgb_phys]

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.

 

[Dale]

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]

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.