Quantum Random Number Generators May Provide Security on Future Digital Devices

(I-HLS) With the help of quantum physics, hacking phones may very well become a thing of the past. As part of a 1 billion Euro initiative by the European Union, the Quantum Flagship initiative promises a revolution in the privacy of our digital devices.
Quantum physics is the science of tiny particles behaving in unpredictable ways. This is the core factor that increases cybersecurity. Researchers have managed to figure out how to manipulate those single objects, leading to the development of quantum random number generators. Today’s computers are not capable of generating truly random numbers the same way quantum objects do. This means that hackers can break code by predicting outcomes of the “random” number and tear down any cybersecurity.
A team of researchers from the University of Geneva are attempting to make random number generators faster, smaller, and less expensive so that it could be easier to integrate them into everyday devices.
The researchers have succeeded at developing a tiny computer chip that works as a quantum random number generator, generating millions of bits per second. The chip generates random numbers by firing tiny lasers at two targets. It is impossible to know which target the laser will hit.
However, the hardware for quantum internet is not fully ready to be deployed commercially and around the world.