Quantum Dice, a spinout from the University of Oxford, is partnering with BT Group to explore the use of its Quantum Random Number Generator (QRNG) for cryptographic applications in telecommunications. BT Group’s R&D division will use Quantum Dice’s VERTEX QD-1100 device to assess its performance, reliability, and hardware integration. Andrew Lord of BT Group emphasized the importance of entropy in cryptography and the potential of QRNG in securing digital infrastructure. Quantum Dice’s Wenmiao Yu and Ramy Shelbaya expressed excitement about the collaboration and the potential of QRNGs in cybersecurity.
Quantum Dice and BT Group Investigate QRNGs for Cryptographic Telecommunications Applications
Quantum Dice, a University of Oxford spinout, is investigating the use of its Quantum Random Number Generator (QRNG) for cryptographic applications in the telecommunications sector, in collaboration with BT Group. The Research and Development division of BT Group will be using Quantum Dice’s VERTEX QD-1100 device to assess its long-term performance, reliability, and hardware integration. They will also explore the potential of the PCIe card’s self-certification capability as a trusted entropy source for security applications.
This collaboration is part of BT Group’s ongoing efforts to improve its mission of connecting for good. With a history of successful innovation with emerging technologies, BT Group is well-equipped to evaluate enabling technologies, particularly in the exploration of use cases for Quantum Dice’s patented DISC™ QRNG to enable enhanced information security.
The Importance of QRNGs in Telecommunications Security
Andrew Lord, Senior Manager, Research, Optical Networks, BT Group, emphasized the importance of secure digital infrastructure against new quantum-based threats. He noted that entropy is a vital building block of cryptography, enabling quantum secure networks. The team is excited to begin long-term trials of the QRNG, especially using the self-certification technique to ensure true randomness.
In the current data-driven landscape, true random number generation is critical for communication security. Secure access to verified, high-quality entropy is essential for generating strong cryptographic keys, providing enhanced security for networks, and futureproofing for evolving quantum technologies.
Quantum Dice’s QRNG Technology and its Potential in Cybersecurity
Quantum Dice’s VERTEX QD-1100 QRNG, as showcased by BT Group in a QRNG use-case development hackathon in July 2023, combines best-in-class security and a 2.66 Gbps rate of post-processed random numbers with a compact PCIe form factor. The device also takes advantage of Quantum Dice’s unique patented source-device independent self-certification (DISC™) protocol, which performs a continuous entropy check hence providing live quantum assurance.
Packaged as a standard half-length PCIe card, VERTEX QD-1100 can be easily integrated within servers, PCs, and hardware security systems, making it ideal for cybersecurity applications. BT Group’s long-term evaluation of the QRNG marks an important step in exploring the potential of Quantum Dice’s patented technology as an innovative quantum-resistant solution that is trusted, scalable, and easily integrated.
About Quantum Dice and BT Group
Quantum Dice aims to protect a connected future by harnessing the fundamental quantum properties of light to enable secure encryption. Leveraging its patented source-device independent self-certification (DISC™) protocol, Quantum Dice is developing the world’s first compact, high-speed, and continuously self-certifying quantum random number generator (QRNG). Its technology is suitable for a wide range of applications ranging from protecting terrestrial networks to providing quantum-secure entropy for satellite and IoT systems.
BT Group is the UK’s primary provider of fixed and mobile telecommunications and related secure digital products, solutions and services. It also provides managed telecommunications, security and network & IT infrastructure services to customers across 180 countries. BT Group consists of three customer-facing units: Consumer serves individuals and families in the UK; Business covers companies and public services in the UK and internationally; Openreach is an independently governed, wholly owned subsidiary wholesaling fixed access infrastructure services to its customers – over 650 communications providers across the UK.