At a time when cyber security is high on the international agenda, Australian scientists are at the forefront of providing a more secure future.

Quantum mechanics is being applied to computing in order to develop the most powerful and impenetrable security method ever conceived.



The theory is also making ears prick up in defence departments keen to ensure they keep on top of the ever-increasing threat of cyber warfare.

Andrea Morello from the University of New South Wales says there is a strategic interest in quantum computing.

Space to play or pause, M to mute, left and right arrows to seek, up and down arrows for volume. Listen Duration: 4 minutes 24 seconds 4 m 24 s Plans for impenetrable Government Quantum Network ( Jake Sturmer ) Download 2 MB

"One of things you can do with it is essentially expand the data security capabilities a country has," Associate Professor Morello said.

Traditionally, cryptography involves three main parties - a sender, the recipient and the eavesdropper or hacker.

Hackers at present are able to intercept communications without the sender or recipient knowing, if they know what they are doing.

What is quantum computing?

Normal computers use data encoded in binary digits (bits)

Normal computers use data encoded in binary digits (bits) They work by manipulating bits that can exist in only one of two states - 0 or 1 - at any given time

They work by manipulating bits that can exist in only one of two states - 0 or 1 - at any given time Quantum computers instead use the properties of atoms and molecules to perform calculations

Quantum computers instead use the properties of atoms and molecules to perform calculations Quantum computers encode information as 'quantum bits', or 'qubits'

Quantum computers encode information as 'quantum bits', or 'qubits' Qubits can exist in superposition - they can be both 0 and 1, and all points in between - at the same time.

Qubits can exist in superposition - they can be both 0 and 1, and all points in between - at the same time. Physicists believe this superposition will allow quantum computers to work on a million calculations at once, while a normal computer can only handle one

Physicists believe this superposition will allow quantum computers to work on a million calculations at once, while a normal computer can only handle one That gives quantum computers the potential to be millions of times more powerful than conventional machines (Source: http://computer.howstuffworks.com)

But quantum cryptography will be able to prevent access by detecting hackers and destroying or altering messages as hackers try to obtain them.

"Anyone who attempts to eavesdrop the connection and essentially tap the data would destroy the data on the spot," Associate Professor Morello said.

Complex technology still in its infancy

The problem, however, is actually making the computer.

To make a quantum chip a single phosphorous atom is introduced into a regular silicon chip.

The atom's magnetic core - its nucleus - is completely isolated from the outside world because it is so minute.

"What we have shown is that we can write and read quantum information in the magnetic orientation of the nucleus," Associate Professor Morello said.

To give an idea of scale, a computer with 300 quantum bits is thought to be able to contain a level of classical information equivalent to all the elementary particles of the universe.

The power could be used to decrypt today's most elaborate coding with ease.

"What we're reliant on at the moment is the fact that it's just too hard, presently, to decrypt," said Vikram Sharma, the chief of QuintessenceLabs.

"However in the future, through things like quantum computers, that premise may not hold and these codes could be broken."

Race is on for next-generation cyber security

Tighter security is something the Federal Government would be keen to acquire, after reports last month revealed the extent to which Chinese hackers had apparently gained access to the Australian Government's systems.

QuintessenceLabs and scientists from the Australian National University are working on quantum key distribution, which in theory could link government departments within the parliamentary triangle with an impenetrable network.

The first stage, linking the Australian National University and the Australian Defence Force Academy, is expected to be tested over the next few months.

The possibilities this new technology brings are very appealing, but it is still in its infancy, with the first full-scale quantum computer thought to be a decade away at least.

For now, the race is on to take the first step forward in next-generation security.