Macquarie University’s Hassan Asghar is now contributing his expertise to the Sydney Quantum Academy Experts network as of September 15, 2026, strengthening the SQA’s capabilities in a rapidly evolving field. Asghar’s research extends beyond quantum key distribution to focus on quantum differential privacy and post-quantum zero-knowledge proofs, exploring how cryptography and quantum technologies can better protect increasingly complex data. Asghar notes, acknowledging the unique limitations quantum systems introduce. As Director of the Information Security and Privacy Research Group, he leads a team merging computer science and quantum physics to address emerging challenges in data security.
Asghar’s Research: Quantum Approaches to Data Privacy and Security
Hassan Asghar’s work extends beyond established quantum key distribution to explore quantum differential privacy, a less common area with potential for advanced data security protocols. This research investigates the feasibility of analyzing data while preserving privacy within a quantum computing framework, addressing a critical need as data sharing becomes increasingly prevalent. Asghar’s focus diverges from simply securing communication channels to safeguarding the data itself during processing and analysis, a nuanced approach to modern cybersecurity challenges. Currently, Asghar is also investigating quantum zero-knowledge proofs and post-quantum zero-knowledge proofs as part of his work on verifiable computing.
These proofs aim to allow verification of a computation without revealing the underlying data, a capability that will remain vital even with the advent of powerful quantum computers capable of breaking current encryption standards. The Sydney Quantum Academy reports that “One of the things that excites Hassan most about quantum computing is the possibility of storing and transmitting information in ways that are not possible with classical computing.” This potential is coupled with the recognition that quantum systems present unique limitations not found in classical computing, creating a complex research landscape. Asghar’s doctoral research at Macquarie University centered on secure alternatives to passwords, specifically exploring whether individuals could mentally solve puzzles to prove knowledge without revealing compromising information.
His thesis investigated a method where a person could demonstrate they knew a password’s answer without divulging enough data to allow it to be compromised, laying the groundwork for his continued work in privacy-preserving technologies. Since then, he has broadened his expertise to encompass privacy-preserving open data and secure computation, ultimately leading to his current investigations into quantum computing’s role in data protection. This interdisciplinary approach allows the team to tackle emerging challenges at the intersection of these fields, fostering innovation in quantum technologies, cybersecurity, and privacy.
The team’s work also includes exploring how quantum computing could improve cryptographic techniques like robust property-preserving hashing, functional encryption, and unclonable cryptography, expanding the toolkit for data security. Asghar notes, “At the same time, quantum systems introduce limitations that do not arise in the classical setting,” acknowledging the need to address these challenges alongside the opportunities presented by quantum technologies.
This collaboration will facilitate the development of advanced quantum cybersecurity solutions and contribute to the Academy’s mission of advancing quantum technology in Australia. By adding Asghar’s expertise, the SQA is positioning itself to address the evolving landscape of data privacy and security in the quantum era.
Source: https://sydneyquantum.org/news/dr-hassan-asghar-joins-the-sydney-quantum-academy-experts-network/
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