Quantum leap by Indian researchers in boosting digital security

Why in News

• Indian researchers at Raman Research Institute, Bengaluru, led by Urbasi Sinha, have developed quantum techniques to generate and certify truly random numbers.
• The breakthrough has major implications for digital security, potentially enabling hack-proof encryption.
• It is a globally significant achievement under India’s National Quantum Mission.

Relevance

• GS 3 – Science & Technology: Quantum computing, quantum cryptography, cybersecurity, National Quantum Mission.
• GS 3 – Security: Digital security, encryption, quantum-proof technologies.
• GS 2 – Governance: Government support in quantum research and technology commercialization.
• GS 3 – Economy & Industry: Potential for startups, innovation, and technology exports in quantum security.

Basics

• Random Numbers in Digital Security:
  • Foundation of encryption, passwords, and secure authentication systems.
  • Must be truly random (not predictable) for high security.
• Pseudorandom Numbers:
  • Currently used in computers, generated via algorithms.
  • Adequate for today’s security but vulnerable to quantum computing attacks.
• Quantum Random Numbers:
  • Derived from inherently random quantum processes (e.g., electron behavior, photon states).
  • Device-independent methods ensure numbers cannot be predicted or manipulated.

Key Scientific Concepts

1. Quantum Random Number Generation (QRNG):
   1. Uses quantum phenomena such as superposition and entanglement.
   2. Example: Measurement of electrons/photons to produce random sequences of 0s and 1s.
2. Certification Challenge:
   1. Even quantum devices may be hacked or malfunction, so output must be certifiable as truly random.
   2. Certification ensures randomness is not from device fault or external manipulation.
3. Entanglement & Bell’s Inequality:
   1. Two entangled particles behave as substitutes across distance.
   2. If measurement results violate Bell’s inequality, the randomness is quantum in origin.
4. Leggett-Garg Inequality:
   1. Used to certify true randomness at the single-particle level.
   2. 2024: RRI generated random numbers violating this inequality in a lab setting.

The Breakthrough

• First demonstration of device-independent QRNG using a commercially available quantum computer.
• Significance:
  • Moves beyond controlled lab experiments to real-world noisy environments.
  • Enhances practical applicability of quantum random numbers for digital security.
• Potential Applications:
  • Hack-proof encryption
  • Secure communication channels
  • Authentication systems resistant to quantum attacks
• Strategic & Commercial Implications:
  • Boosts India’s capabilities in quantum technologies.
  • Opens avenues for startups and research commercialization.
  • Reinforces India’s position in the global quantum security landscape.

Challenges Ahead

• Scaling up commercial applications while ensuring security in real-world conditions.
• Continued research and funding required for robust device-independent QRNG systems.
• Integration into national digital security infrastructure and financial networks.