Fast-growing technologies such as the Internet of Things, Virtual Reality, and other applications of Artificial Intelligence enable a new way of sharing information. As a result, data generation, storage, and traffic are increasing exponentially. Much of this information, e.g., related to health, finance, or even security-related communication, is extremely sensitive and needs to be handled with protocols and procedures that ensure the highest degree of security. Since these procedures do not have sufficient protection against attacks by emerging quantum computers, additional quantum cryptography-based protocols are developed within the framework of the European CiViQ project. This adds an additional future-proof physical/hardware level to the existing overarching security protection architecture of the communication structures. Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) is already the most widely used among quantum cryptography protocols. The current aim is to make it more flexible and cost-effective, as well as to ensure that it can be easily integrated into existing telecommunication infrastructures.

CiViQ will also create new quantum cryptography systems and protocols to provide easily accessible services to private individuals, industry, and institutions. Fraunhofer HHI is part of the consortium of 21 partners and is developing a quantum cryptography receiver.