In today's digital world, cybersecurity is becoming increasingly important more than ever. Due to the rising cases of cyber attacks and data breaches, it is crucial to have strong security measures to protect the sensitive information of individuals and organizations, such as national infrastructures and banking systems. One of the common ways of safeguarding information is through encryption.
How Does Encryption Work?
Encryption is the cryptographic transformation of data into a form that conceals its original meaning to prevent the data from being known or used. In other words, encryption protects sensitive data by scrambling ordinary text into a form that cannot be read without the proper decryption key.
Encrypting information involves using a random number generator, either a computer program or hardware. The random number generator provides keys for encrypting and unlocking the information at the receiver.
Various kinds of random number generators offer different levels of randomness and security. Hardware is considered the much safer option since physical processes control randomness. Among all the hardware methods, the one that provides the best randomness is based on quantum phenomena.
Quantum random number generation refers to a method of generating truly random numbers using the principles of quantum mechanics. The traditional method uses algorithms to generate pseudo-random numbers. In contrast, quantum random number generators use the inherent randomness in quantum mechanics for generating truly random numbers.
The modern encryption process does not only protect sensitive information. It also protects user privacy and helps in preventing theft and blackmail. Because of encryption, secure file sharing is made possible, while lost or stolen devices are also protected. Additionally, encryption helps businesses comply with regulatory requirements and standards.
Improved Security Measures
Researchers from Linköping University in Sweden developed a new type of random number generator for encryption. The experts believe the latest technology can pave the way for further quantum communication.
When it comes to cryptography, it is important that there is randomness of numbers, and the user should be the only one who knows about them. According to researcher Guilherme B Xavier from the Department of Electrical Engineering at Linköping University, their method can help certify the privacy and security of a large amount of generated bits.
Xavier's team collaborated with researchers from the Department of Physics, Chemistry, and Biology (IFM) to develop a new type of quantum random number generator that can be used for encryption, betting, and computer simulations. Its main feature is the use of light-emitting diodes created from crystal-like perovskite.
Their innovation is among the best and can be compared with similar products. Due to the properties of perovskites, the new random number generator has the potential to be cheaper and more environmentally friendly.
IFM Professor Feng Gao is confident that the recent development of PeLEDS can offer new insights into revolutionizing optical instruments. The research team plans to improve the material to make it lead-free with an extended lifetime.
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