Russia Develops Quantum-Secured Personal Communications Device

Engineers from Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology have created a fully secure communication system designed for everyday users.

Scientists at the Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology (MIPT) have developed a quantum communication system that offers complete data security—even for personal use. According to TASS the device resembles a pager and its main advantage is that it eliminates intermediaries in encryption key management. Financial transactions, messaging apps, and other software are fully shielded from hacking and data theft. The system is also designed to be user-friendly.

Co-developer Alexander Pozdnyakov explained that conventional encryption key systems have vulnerabilities: administrators can be bribed, deceived or make errors, and centralized storage of keys makes them a prime target for cyberattacks.

The Russian team devised a simple method to distribute derivative cryptographic keys using a random number generator. These keys are transmitted via quantum communication networks and introduced into mobile devices through NFC. Users can independently decide when and why to replace all of their encryption keys.

The device was built in compliance with Russian information security standards.