Quantum Ultra-Secure Long-Range Communications

With more than 12,000 cyber incidents which the DoD has experienced since 2015 and the advent of quantum computing and future deployment of cryptographically relevant quantum computers (CRQC), the DAF and DoD will be exposed to risks of yet unforeseen magnitude. Adversaries with quantum capabilities may be able to decrypt unclassified, classified, or sensitive information, potentially targeting U.S. military operations. Specifically, CRQCs will provide enough stability and sufficient quantum bits (qubits) to perform certain mathematical algorithms exponentially faster, enabling to attack and crack classical state-of-the-art (SoA) cryptographic systems, disrupting operations, compromising sensitive data, and posing significant risks to the national security of the United States. Therefore, there is a critical need for the DAF to accelerate the immediate development and integration of critical quantum security programs, to advance cybersecurity readiness against its would-be adversaries, prevent and eradicate ‘harvest now, decrypt later’ cyberattacks, ultimately safeguarding US national security interests now and in the future. In this SBIR Phase I project, Terra Quantum Falcon will study the feasibility of developing a quantum ultra-secure long-range communication network to address the DAF’s national Defense-related mission need in the area of quantum-secure transmission of sensitive data over long distances. We propose a modified solution for ultra-secure long-range communications based on quantum cryptography in which we will combine the best of QKD, true randomness via quantum random number generators (QRNG), and quantum cryptography to secure communication between devices and systems. Our proposed solution is developed based on Terra Quantum Falcon’s profound expertise in cyber security, post-quantum cryptography (PQC), and quantum cryptography. Some of our team’s highlights include, but are not limited to, the world record in quantum cryptography for transmission of quantum cryptography keys (QKD) over a distance of 40,000 km, end-to-end physical line control for global communications by means of Secure Network Solutions, and multiple internationally recognized patents in quantum computing, PQC, and quantum cryptography. We have the potential to commercialize the proposed solution for a quantum ultra-secure long-range communication network due to our track record in quantum computing, PQC and quantum cryptography. Characteristics that de-risk our ability to commercialize the proposed solution include our team’s scientific merit with three Ph.D.s in quantum computing, mathematics, and aerospace engineering, and more than 20 international patents which have been granted in quantum computing and cryptography, amongst others.