IT security for Hesse: Quantum mechanics secures test connection in Wiesbaden : Date:
Advances in quantum computing threaten today's encryption methods and, with them, the confidentiality of digital data traffic. Researchers from RheinMain University of Applied Sciences and Arts and the Hessian Centre for Data Processing are now relying on Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) for IT security in digital communication for the first time, drawing on the physical laws of quantum mechanics. A milestone for sensitive data and a more future-proof digital infrastructure.
Digital confidentiality is a key prerequisite for a modern state, a strong economy and citizens' trust. Many types of data retain their need for protection over decades – in public administration, police, the judiciary, the financial and healthcare sectors, as well as critical infrastructure in general. Advances in quantum computing make it necessary to further develop digital security: encryption must continue to protect data even when today's methods become vulnerable in future. Quantum-safe communication offers a gradual transition for this purpose, complementing existing systems and preparing for long-term security.
Living lab established in Wiesbaden
"This is where Quantum Key Distribution, QKD, which we are working on at the university, comes in," explains Prof. Dr. Nikolay Tcholtchev of RheinMain University of Applied Sciences (HSRM). "It underpins the IT security of key exchange in digital communication not through computational complexity, but through the physical laws of quantum mechanics. For the public sector, this contributes to the possibility of transmitting highly sensitive government and citizen data via fibre optics in a future-proof and eavesdropping-proof manner."
The method is embedded in a project designed to demonstrate the functionality of QKD in a living lab. In doing so, it showcases the transition from theoretical physics research to practical IT security for public authorities. Together with the Hessian Centre for Data Processing (HZD) and the company KEEQuant, a scientific test platform for quantum-safe communication with QKD and modern key management for the state administration is being created in the Hessian state capital, Wiesbaden. In April, a test connection between an HSRM campus and the HZD was successfully established.
Basis for Hessian security ecosystem
"This test platform makes quantum security tangible: not as an abstract topic for the future, but as a real building block for secure digital infrastructure," says Beate Minor, Head of IT Security Management at HZD. "For the HZD, this project is not an isolated experiment, but could become the nucleus for future expansion stages of a security ecosystem."
The initiative also serves to build regional expertise and know-how in the field of quantum communication: "Through this practical infrastructure, we are also creating the basis for contemporary teaching and offering a foundation for practice-oriented master's theses and doctorates," says Prof. Dr. Holger Hünemohr.
Making IT future-proof step by step
In addition to physics-based security, cryptographic methods such as post-quantum cryptography are also part of future digital resilience. "This is also being researched here at RheinMain University of Applied Sciences. Key management systems can connect these two worlds, thereby preparing applications, data centres, government networks and security gateways for later expansion," explains Prof. Dr. Marc Stöttinger..
Text source: RheinMain University of Applied Sciences and Arts