Leading companies such as IBM, Google, Microsoft, Amason, have been offering “Quantum Computing as a Service” (QCaaS). This is a cloud-based service that allows users to access quantum computing resources and capabilities over the internet without requiring users to own or maintain quantum hardware. But this has raised concern over the authenticity of data and the effectiveness of current security and encryption systems.

Scientists at Oxford University's Department of Physics recently made a significant advancement on this matter by "blind quantum computing." Their work has been published on Physical Review Letters [1]. This breakthrough allows individuals and companies to access the powerful quantum computers securely from their homes or offices, potentially transforming various industries.

Key Points from the Research

  1. Blind Quantum Computing: This approach connects two separate quantum entities—such as a user and a cloud-based quantum server—securely over a network. The user's data and algorithms remain private, and the results can be verified without revealing any sensitive information.
  2. Scalability and Practicality: The methods developed by Oxford researchers can be scaled up to handle large quantum computations, making the technology practical for widespread use.
  3. Quantum Network Setup: The system utilizes a fiber network link between a quantum computing server and a simple photon-detecting device. This setup allows secure quantum computing across distances, maintaining the privacy and security of the data.
  4. Security and Privacy: By employing quantum memory and photons, the researchers ensured that each computation remains secure. This method prevents unauthorized access and tampering, offering a robust solution for secure data processing in the quantum era.

Implications

This advancement is poised to unlock the full potential of cloud-based quantum computing, offering secure and private access to powerful quantum resources. It addresses the crucial concerns of data authenticity and security, paving the way for new applications in sectors such as healthcare and financial services. [2]

This breakthrough in secure quantum computing marks a significant step forward in both the practical use of quantum technologies and the safeguarding of sensitive information in the digital age.

Reference

[1] “Verifiable Blind Quantum Computing with Trapped Ions and Single Photons”, P. Drmota, etc. Phys. Rev. Lett. 132, 150604 (10 April 2024). https://journals.aps.org/prl/abstract/10.1103/PhysRevLett.132.150604

[2] “Breakthrough promises secure quantum computing at home”, (11 April 2024) https://www.physics.ox.ac.uk/news/breakthrough-promises-secure-quantum-computing-home