Quantum communication is still a new topic, however there is a new project emerging in the Netherlands with a significant Czech footprint. 

QuDef deals with quantum encryption and security threats to quantum systems. Behind it stands one of the Czech Republic's biggest quantum stars, Michal Křelina, who works as a researcher at the Faculty of Nuclear and Physical Engineering at the Czech Technical University (ČVUT). He is also the founder of the consulting company Quantum Phi and advises the Czech army and NATO on quantum technologies.

The Netherlands, where QuDef is based, is one of the quantum leaders. The new quantum project started during this August. The Czech researcher was accompanied with the founding by his Dutch colleague Bob Dirks, who, as a graduate in instrumental physics for astrophysicists and high-energy physics, is involved in the use of quantum technologies in space projects.

The roles of both partners are clearly defined within the start-up, the Czech scientist handles the technology part of the project, while his Dutch colleague takes care of the business. Křelina has a close majority share in the company.

While the quantum computers are still a new topic, security experts are worried, because the encryption methods commonly used today don't stand a chance against them. QuDef is eventually entering uncharted territory with its focus on quantum communication, but Michal Křelina makes no secret of the fact that he sees huge potential behind quantum cybersecurity. Similarly, just as a huge security segment has grown up around communication in cyberspace, the same services will have to emerge in the quantum field. After all, Europe is already building its EuroQCI quantum network to encrypt classified European Union data.

The new start-up will help with cybersecurity through collecting all kinds of attacks on quantum devices - quantum attacks, but also relevant classic attacks. Then these attacks will be mapped in the system to specific hardware and software components, specific quantum protocols. The goal is to offer services and tools that make quantum security easier for the customers or institutions.

The Czech scientist is still aware of the potential risk of reverse analysis. This means that the data encrypted today may be safe, but that may not be the case decades from now. There is a possibility that attackers collect sensitive data today along with its public key. Fifteen years from now, equipped with quantum tools, they will break the key and access the data.

One of the solutions for such problems can be quantum communication (PQC), which, although unbreakable in theory, is also extremely expensive and the necessary infrastructure is scarce. This segment is also the focus of Křelin's QuDef.

Source: www.forbes.cz

Compiled by the Dutch team of CzechTrade