Digital development is happening at breakneck speed. While organizations once thought encryption was enough to protect sensitive data, we are seeing increasing signs that these traditional security techniques will soon no longer be enough. Quantum computers, representing a quantum leap in computing power, are poised to shake the foundations of our cybersecurity.

The quantum promise: more than just hype

We are on the eve of a new technological revolution. A quantum computer encodes information in the form of quantum bits or qubits. Like digital computers, these can take the value 0 or 1, but also everything in between. Quantum computers therefore function fundamentally differently than normal computers. Instead of doing one calculation at a time, they can perform exponentially many calculations at once. Quantum will bring tremendous innovation, particularly in the areas of encryption, simulation, optimization and machine learning. Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) enables the exchange of keys for encryption in a way that is fundamentally different from anything we have seen before. It uses the laws of quantum mechanics, which, unlike traditional encryption, are based on natural laws that literally cannot be circumvented.

In a world where cyberattacks are becoming increasingly sophisticated, QKD provides an unbreakable layer of security. Any attempt to intercept a quantum encrypted key immediately disrupts the quantum state, which is immediately detectable. This means hackers have no chance of gaining access to data unnoticed. At a time when even the most powerful classical encryption can be cracked by future quantum computers in no time, this is a game changer. Companies need to think not only about today’s threats, but especially about tomorrow’s risks. And quantum communication is the answer to this future.

The importance of infrastructure: fiber optics as the key

However, quantum communication requires one crucial prerequisite: a solid, high-performance infrastructure. This is where fiberglass comes into play. The reason QKD works is because the quantum bits, or qubits, that carry information are extremely sensitive to interference. Fiber optic is the only technology that can reliably transport these signals over long distances. Not only is it the fastest and most efficient way to transport data, but it also provides the stability and integrity that quantum information requires.

Fiber optic is the only technology that can reliably transport these signals over long distances

Marc Hulzebos, Innovation Officer Eurofiber

At Eurofiber we have over 20 years of experience building these fiber optic networks for the business market. We understand better than anyone that companies today need networks that are ready for the challenges of tomorrow. Our fiber optic connections have long been the backbone of secure, resilient corporate networks. By using quantum communications, we can make this network QKD-enabled and offer companies the opportunity to take their infrastructure to a new level: a network that is not only fast and reliable, but also fundamentally unhackable.

Think of the possible applications: from financial institutions that want to protect millions of transactions daily from fraudulent attacks, to healthcare organizations that need to protect highly confidential patient data. In industries where data security is literally critical, QKD can mean the difference between a secure future and a catastrophic data breach.

Companies now need to seriously think about their future security strategy. Traditional networks and encryption methods are unlikely to be sufficient to handle the arrival of quantum computers. By investing now in quantum communications on a fiber optic network, companies are creating a foundation that is not only ready for the challenges of tomorrow, but also offers unprecedented benefits today.

MVP: the port of Rotterdam

At the beginning of the year, together with a consortium, we were the first in the world to install a scalable quantum network connection in the port of Rotterdam. A test setup has shown that the use of Quantum Key Distribution makes access to sensitive information impossible. Such a quantum network connection could improve the security of tens of thousands of ships in the future and also better protect the resulting commercial traffic from the threat of quantum computers.

At Eurofiber we strongly believe that the future of enterprise networks is quantum. Companies that are truly forward-thinking should not wait until quantum computers are actually operational to crack their existing encryption. No, the time to act is now. The technology is there, the infrastructure – fiber – is there and the benefits of QKD are clear. This is no longer science fiction; This is the logical consequence of decades of technological advances.

Ultimately, every company wants a network that is fundamentally secure. No risks of eavesdropping, no worries about future cyber threats. This is what quantum communication can offer companies. Quantum Key Distribution offers companies both immediate and long-term benefits in terms of security and strategic positioning. By investing in this technology in addition to a reliable fiber connection, companies can prepare for the quantum future and better protect themselves against the increasingly complex threats in the world of cybersecurity.

This is a contribution from Marc Hulzebos, Innovation Officer at Eurofiber. Click here to learn more about the company’s solutions.