FutureWire - futurism and emerging technology

Wednesday, May 04, 2005

Quantum Computing to Secure Videoconferencing

As videoconferencing becomes more commonplace, the problem of security becomes increasingly important. What's to keep a hacker from intercepting and watching a videoconference where confidential topics are being discussed? Security systems do exist for videoconferencing, but they have trouble keeping up with the flow of data.

Toshiba is working to apply quantum cryptography to videoconferencing. Under Toshiba's system, 100 256-bit quantum public/private key algorithms are generated every second, locking down each frame.

Though quantum computing remains highly theoretical, Toshiba claims that its system could be made commercial within two years. Initial costs could be as high as $20,000 until demand drives down prices.

Sources: Nature, Smart Mobs