OREANDA-NEWS. Russian scientists have linked two leading technical universities of the country - NUST MISIS and the Moscow Technical University of Communications and Informatics - with a secure quantum network. This is the first project of its kind in Russia, to which any interested participant can join.

As TASS writes with reference to the press service of NUST MISIS, the project is open both for software developers in the field of digital security and for organizations wishing to experiment with the implementation of quantum-protected solutions on part of their IT infrastructure.

Quantum cryptography is based on the fact that the laws of quantum mechanics do not allow copying the states of light particles that transmit information between computers connected to a quantum network and other communication devices. Quantum networks are used to reliably exchange encryption keys that protect information that travels over conventional communication networks.

The quantum network created by Russian universities can be expanded in an arbitrary way. Currently, it has five nodes located in the buildings of two institutes. Keys and data are transmitted over existing fiber-optic communication lines. The technologies of quantum key distribution, developed by KuRate, are used, as well as the network protection systems created by the Security Code engineers.

Research quantum networks began to be created in Russia in the middle of the last decade. Now in our country there are several such networks, including intercity ones. They are used by the largest domestic banks.