Quantum Xchange, provider of the first quantum key distribution (QKD) network in the US and ID Quantique, the world leader in quantum-safe security solutions, celebrate the one-year anniversary of their exclusive US partnership, providing commercially viable QKD-secured links across the Phio network. 

 

"The future of computing -- and thus, security -- is in the quantum realm," said John Prisco, CEO of Quantum Xchange. "Advances in quantum computing will soon render our traditional encryption methods obsolete. Quantum Key Distribution is an essential technology to keep critical data safe in years to come."

 

Launched in June 2018, Phio™ by Quantum Xchange is the first quantum-secure network in the United States and features ID Quantique's third-generation QKD equipment. In stark contrast to current public-key cryptography protocols for secure data transmission, which are rooted in mathematical algorithms and inherently breakable, Phio relies on the fundamental properties of quantum mechanics to physically transfer a shared secret between two entities. Thanks to a photon's multiple quantum states and immunity from observation and manipulation, wrapping an encryption key with a photonic quantum key prevents the transmission from being unknowingly interrupted, corrupted, cloned, or exposed -- creating a superior, next-generation solution for mission-critical data security. 

 

"QKD technology promises unprecedented security and assures that organizations can protect their critical data from bad actors," said Gregoire Ribordy, CEO of ID Quantique. "From data harvesting to man-in-the-middle attacks, QKD technology promises to keep our secrets safe from even the sophisticated cyber threats."

 

The Phio quantum network promises the ability to securely transmit high-value data across diverse sectors.  As a result, key industry players are in pilot, or have deployed Phio, for ultra-secure communications and mission-critical data protection.  Popular use-cases include:

 

Energy: protecting U.S. critical infrastructure and providing intrusion detection capabilities.

Financial Services: securing critical communications between financial partners to protect sophisticated algorithms and customer accounts without sacrificing speed;

Federal Government: encrypting critical communications for national security between and within U.S. agencies;

Manufacturing: guarding 3D printing networks to ensure intellectual property cannot be stolen by competitors.

 

The first leg of the operational QKD network from Quantum Xchange runs from Washington, D.C. to New York City, including key connections to the financial markets on Wall Street with back office operations in New Jersey. The company plans to extend Phio nationwide over the next 12 months.