Toshiba Corp. is planning to launch in fiscal 2020 technology that utilizes quantum cryptography, which is virtually invulnerable to hacking.
The technology is expected to be used in government agencies that handle security intelligence and other highly classified information.
Quantum cryptography is a communication technology that relies on the use of photons, single particles of light, to transmit data encryption keys. If a third party tries to decipher encrypted data, the photons are altered to render the key unusable.
The Defense Ministry, the Self-Defense Forces and the National Police Agency will be provided with equipment developed by Toshiba for exchanging keys by the end of this fiscal year, according to sources. Full-fledged introduction of the system is expected after the speed and capacity of transmissions, and security against unauthorized access have been confirmed.
Toshiba initially planned to start using the system with a U.S. telecommunications giant this fiscal year, but the launch will likely be postponed to next fiscal year due to the novel coronavirus pandemic.
Huge sums of money have been invested in the development of quantum cryptography in Europe, the United States, South Korea and China, among other countries.
The technology, which is touted as the ultimate encryption for its high security, is expected to be used in financial and medical institutions.
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