Toshiba To Start 'Verification' Tests on Cryptography System It Says Is ‘Theoretically’ Hack-Proof

Toshiba will begin two years of “verification testing” in August of “genome analysis data” transmissions using “quantum cryptography” technology that’s “theoretically completely secure” from hacking, the company said in a Thursday announcement. The testing will be the first use in Japan of quantum cryptographic communication for the transmission of actual data, Toshiba said. Quantum cryptography, which Toshiba began researching in 2003, uses quantum physics “to ensure that genomic data encrypted with digital keys remains secret,” it said. “Standard optical” cryptography methods can be “intercepted and read by measuring a part of the optical signal,” it said. In quantum cryptography, “communications bits are carried and sent by individual photons” that can’t be “tampered with,” it said. The secrecy of the system’s encryption keys, and the genome data they protect, “can be guaranteed,” it said. Toshiba representatives didn’t say why the company hedged as it did in the announcement by calling the technology “theoretically completely secure” from hacking. Toshiba’s goal is to use the results of the verification tests “to support commercialization within five years of a quantum cryptographic communication system able to guarantee secure transfers of confidential information and personal information,” the company said. “Potential users will include public agencies and medical institutions.”