Sustainable University

BUT and the University of Defense have tested the first high-speed data transmission using quantum-resistant encryption

In the first half of April, a stress test was conducted on the high-speed network infrastructure connecting the Brno University of Technology (BUT) and the University of Defense (UO). The tested infrastructure utilized cryptographic systems that are resistant to attacks by quantum computers. Both quantum key distribution (QKD) mechanisms and post-quantum cryptography (PQC) were deployed; these are new cryptographic methods designed to withstand even the computational power of quantum computers.

Researchers from BUT and UO with high-speed network ciphers. | Photo by Nikola Číková

Unlike previous initiatives in the Czech Republic, this time unique quantum-resistant encryption devices were also utilized, ensuring not only key management but also secure data transmission itself. The tested infrastructure is thus not merely a scientific experiment but is also ready for practical use in transmitting sensitive data that must be protected against quantum threats.

With the infrastructure now operational, we are moving closer to the practical deployment of quantum-resistant technologies, in this case for highly demanding applications that require maximum transmission speeds and minimal latency. The test results also support the planned transition to post-quantum cryptography, which is recommended by international institutions such as the European Commission and is also being discussed at expert meetings in the Czech Republic, such as the conference “On the Security of Czech Citizens and Post-Quantum Cryptography” held in the Czech Senate, in which BUT participated.

“During the approximately two-week test, roughly 3 TB of data was transferred at speeds of around 76 Gb/s. Hardware-accelerated ciphers developed at the Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Communication at Brno University of Technology (FEEC BUT) were used for encryption, supplemented by in-house stress testers. During the transfer, over 50,000 encryption keys were used, which were combined in a hybrid manner, i.e., using classical, quantum, and post-quantum cryptography. This detailed experience with all approaches confirmed the suitability of post-quantum cryptography for massive deployment in practice and highlighted some weaknesses of the other approaches,” said Jan Hajný from FEEC BUT.

“Quantum-resistant encryption is a key priority for the Czech Army. We are therefore pleased that our department—the Department of Electrical Engineering at the Faculty of Military Technology (FVT) of the University of Defense—is participating in this test transmission,” said Martin Kyselák of the FVT at the University of Defense.

“The tests also included advanced monitoring of the optical route. Given the growing number of attacks on optical cables and critical communications infrastructure, it is essential to pay increased attention to their protection, the timely detection of abnormal events, and the enhancement of operational resilience. The implemented optical link therefore not only served for secure high-speed data transmission but also enabled the monitoring of telemetry data from the transmission infrastructure,” added Petr Münster from FEEC BUT.

The activities of FEEC BUT build on long-term research in the field of cybersecurity, both in terms of securing transmitted data and protecting fiber-optic infrastructure, as well as in anomaly detection and enhancing the resilience of data networks. The research is supported primarily by national security research projects of the Ministry of the Interior and European projects, including, for example, ICON, SPARTA, and CHESS.

The collaboration between BUT and UO represents a significant opportunity for joint research. The results achieved are being applied by state security agencies and in the defense sector. The collaboration does not end with technology testing. The plan is to continue these activities, further expand the collaboration, and focus on the practical implementation of quantum-resistant encryption technologies and secure infrastructure for deployment in defense applications. These activities will be carried out, among other things, within the framework of the international research project QARC, which is coordinated by a team from FEEC BUT led by Jan Hajný.
Author Ing. et Ing. arch. Jana Němcová
Published
Link https://www.vut.cz/en/sustainability/f163596/d327947
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Responsibility: Bc. Tereza Kučerová