Blog: Quantum Cryptography Breached With Lasers

Quantum Cryptography Breached With Lasers
InformationWeek (09/08/10) Mathew J. Schwartz

The Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), the University of Erlangen-Nurnberg, and the Max Planck Institute collaborated to develop a laser-based attack against quantum cryptography systems that allows them to eavesdrop on communications without revealing their presence. The researchers developed a quantum eavesdropping technique that remotely controls the photon detector, which is a key component in most quantum cryptography systems. The researchers believe that cyberattackers could breach security systems with off-the-shelf components, and obtain a perfect copy of the raw key without leaving any trace of their presence. "The security loophole we have exposed is intrinsic to a whole class of single-photon detectors, regardless of their manufacturer and model," says NTNU researcher Vadim Makarov.

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