IIT Madras Develops India’s First Unhackable Security
The
QRNG, developed at the Centre for Programmable Photonic Integrated Circuits and
Systems (CPPICS) at IIT Madras, harnesses the principles of quantum physics to
generate truly unpredictable random numbers. Unlike conventional software-based
random number generators, which rely on predictable algorithms, this new device
taps into the intrinsic randomness of quantum phenomena, such as the behaviour
of photons. This makes the numbers it generates fundamentally unhackable, as
any attempt to observe or predict them would alter their quantum state.
The technology is seen as a crucial
building block for next-generation security systems, with wide-ranging
applications across critical sectors. Defence and military communications,
financial transactions, and blockchain systems all rely on robust encryption,
and the QRNG provides a superior level of security that is impervious to
brute-force attacks. It is also vital for scientific modelling and simulations,
gaming, and the generation of one-time passwords (OTPs).
Professor V Kamakoti,
Director of IIT Madras, highlighted the importance of the breakthrough, stating
that silicon photonics is a key emerging area in quantum technologies and that
the QRNG is a critical component for secure computing. The licensing deal with
Indrarka Quantum Technologies, valued at ₹1 crore, demonstrates a successful
transition of cutting-edge academic research into a market-ready product.
The development positions
India as a significant player in the global quantum technology race, ensuring
the nation can build secure communication infrastructure without depending on
foreign hardware. The project also received support from the Ministry of
Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) and has been successfully tested
for quantum security applications by the Society for Electronic Transactions
and Security (SETS) Chennai, and the Defence Research and Development
Organisation (DRDO).
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