NHK WORLD-JAPAN News
Toshiba reports milestone in quantum cryptography
Toshiba Corporation is reporting a breakthrough involving a cutting-edge technology said to be "un-hackable." The company says a research team has used quantum cryptography to securely send and store human genome data, calling the experiment a world first.
The technology uses particles of light to send information. The team includes researchers from Toshiba and Tohoku University Hospital.
They encrypted huge volumes of data and transmitted it to several locations within a communication network. Storing and reconstructing it was completed in 20 to 30 minutes.
Genome data is extremely sensitive in terms of privacy.
The team's method is more secure and less expensive than conventional means, which usually use discs or tape.
Quantum cryptography is drawing attention from the financial sector, which handles massive volumes of sensitive data.
