Chinese Satellite Sends Hack-Proof Messages

China has successfully sent "hack-proof" messages from a satellite to Earth for the first time. The Micius satellite beamed messages to two mountain-top receiving stations 645 km (400 miles) and 1,200 km away.

The message was protected by exploiting quantum physics, which says any attempt to eavesdrop on it would make detectable changes.Using satellites avoids some limitations that ground-based systems introduce into quantum communication.

Weak signals

Complicated optics on the Chinese satellite protect messages with entangled photons - sub-atomic particles of light manipulated so that some of their key properties are dependent on each other.

The curious laws of the quantum realm dictate that any attempt to measure these key properties irrevocably changes them. By encoding a key to encrypt data using entangled photons, it becomes possible to send messages confident that they have reached a recipient free of interference.

Ground-based encryption systems that use entangled photons have been available for years. However, the maximum distance over which messages can be sent securely is about 200km. This is because the fibre-optic cables through which they travel gradually weaken the signals.

Repeater stations can boost distances but that introduces weak points that attackers may target to scoop up messages.

By contrast, laser signals sent through the atmosphere or via satellites in space can travel much further before being weakened.

Data transmission rates possible with satellites are about 20 orders of magnitude more efficient that fibre-optic cables, Jianwei Pan, lead scientist on the Chinese project, told Reuters.

"That, for instance, can meet the demand of making an absolute safe phone call or transmitting a large amount of bank data," he said.

The Micius test was one of several experiments "bringing the concept of a global quantum internet closer to fruition", wrote Robert Bedington, Juan Miguel Arrazola and Alexander Ling in a review article in the journal Nature.

The reviewers said many "challenges" remained to be ironed out before the technology could be widely adopted.

The Micius satellite was launched in August 2015 and the first tests of its laser-based communications system were carried out in June this year.

The satellite is named after the ancient Chinese scientist and philosopher.China is also working to establish a large ground-based network that also uses quantum communication to protect messages.

BBC

You Might Also Read: 

China Puts Quantum Encryption Into Orbit:

Quantum Computing: The US Airforce Needs Help:

IBM breakthrough in Quantum Computing:

« Ukrainian Postal Service Hit By Cyber Attack
HBO Offers Hackers $250,000 'bug bounty' »

ManageEngine
CyberSecurity Jobsite
Check Point

Directory of Suppliers

DigitalStakeout

DigitalStakeout

DigitalStakeout enables cyber security professionals to reduce cyber risk to their organization with proactive security solutions, providing immediate improvement in security posture and ROI.

ManageEngine

ManageEngine

As the IT management division of Zoho Corporation, ManageEngine prioritizes flexible solutions that work for all businesses, regardless of size or budget.

XYPRO Technology

XYPRO Technology

XYPRO is the market leader in HPE Non-Stop Security, Risk Management and Compliance.

Resecurity

Resecurity

Resecurity is a cybersecurity company that delivers a unified platform for endpoint protection, risk management, and cyber threat intelligence.

Authentic8

Authentic8

Authentic8 transforms how organizations secure and control the use of the web with Silo, its patented cloud browser.

Zadara Storage

Zadara Storage

Zadara provide complete data backup and protection delivered as a fully-managed service.

Intland Software

Intland Software

Intland offer an integrated Application Lifecycle Management platform that offers all-round Requirements, Development, and Testing & Quality Assurance functionality.

ABL Cyber Academy

ABL Cyber Academy

ABL provide certified training courses in the field of cyber security and IT project management.

Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA)

Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA)

TIA works to secure trust in networks by advocating public policy positions on the security of ICT equipment and services related to critical infrastructure, supply chain and information sharing.

BeDefended

BeDefended

BeDefended is an Italian company operating in IT Security and specialized in Cloud and Application Security with years of experience in penetration testing, consulting, training, and research.

Elitecyber Group

Elitecyber Group

Elitecyber group is a team of Cyber Security recruitment experts who work for Cyber Security and Cyber Defence clients and candidates throughout Europe.

SIS Certifications (SIS CERT)

SIS Certifications (SIS CERT)

SIS Certifications is an ISO certification body serving more than 10,000 clients in over 15 countries worldwide.

PatrOwl

PatrOwl

Automate your SecOps with PatrOwl, and start defending your assets efficiently.

Cloud & Cyber Security Expo

Cloud & Cyber Security Expo

Cloud & Cyber Security Expo is the UK’s largest cloud and cyber security event.

FireCompass

FireCompass

FireCompass SAAS platform helps CISOs & Security Teams in continuous risk assessment by mapping your attack surface and knowing the “unknown unknowns”.

Voxility

Voxility

Voxility provides Infrastructure-as-a-Service in the biggest Internet hubs in the world.

GRSi

GRSi

GRSi deliver next-generation systems engineering, cybersecurity, technology insertion and best practices-based Enterprise Operations (EOps) management.

Network Contagion Research Institute (NCRI)

Network Contagion Research Institute (NCRI)

NCRI provides pioneering technology, research, and analysis to identify and forecast cyber-social threats targeting individuals, organizations, and communities.

Nihka Technology Group

Nihka Technology Group

Nihka offers full end-to-end ICT solutions from business optimisation, data centre modernisation, cloud connection and management, and ICT security.

GovSky

GovSky

GovSky streamlines CMMC compliance, saving time and significantly reducing cost.

SafeAeon

SafeAeon

SafeAeon is a leading Cybersecurity-as-a-Service provider, offering 24x7 premium Managed Security Services with AI-powered and Human-driven 24x7 SOC.