Australia’s first Quantum Communications Testbed open for business

Australia has secured its first quantum key distribution (QKD) testbed, enabling the nation to test and develop cutting-edge cybersecurity innovations.

As quantum computing progresses, traditional systems face rising risks, which highlights the need to develop and implement quantum-secure communication technologies.

A QKD testbed uses quantum properties of light to securely transmit cryptographic keys between two optical devices, ensuring any interception attempts are detected using the laws of quantum physics.

While QKD is highly secure in theory, this testbed will allow researchers at Australia’s national science agency, CSIRO, to turn theory into practice.

CSIRO’s data and digital specialist arm, Data61, is inviting researchers in quantum communications, cryptography, privacy, and security to collaborate.

Learn more about the ever evolving world of digital research infrastructure at the International Conference on Research Infrastructures in Brisbane this December. Sessions will include global experts discussing “Creating a trusted and secure research environment “,  and “Building networks and scaling up –  data sharing on a global scale”. A Global Science Forum (GSF) hosted side event will also workshop “Research Security and Consequences for Research Infrastructures”.