On May 14, 2024, the Port of Rotterdam Authority announced the implementation of quantum internet at the port, facilitated by a consortium that includes, in addition to the Authority, Q*Bird, Single Quantum, Cisco, Eurofiber, Portbase, Intermax, and InnovationQuarter. An experimental setup is already operational, demonstrating that the use of quantum technology can prevent unauthorized access to sensitive information. In the future, this new communication system could enhance the security of the tens of thousands of ships that pass through the port each year, safeguarding it from threats posed by quantum computers.
During the trial, which began at the end of 2022, Q*Bird installed a central hub in Eurofiber's data center to create a quantum network. This central hub was connected to two terminal points at Portbase and the Port of Rotterdam Authority. Throughout the trial period, these two terminals exchanged data protected by quantum keys. Key generation and distribution occur within the quantum network, with Q*Bird utilizing a unique multipoint-to-multipoint configuration for the terminals.
Many new terminals can be connected to the central hub, each capable of generating quantum keys. Other quantum key distribution systems rely on a less flexible peer-to-peer configuration. Q*Bird is the only entity worldwide offering this scalable system. The system can also be used to secure other critical infrastructure networks in the Netherlands. In light of the success of this trial, new terminals at Customs and numerous maritime service providers in the port will be connected to the central hub later this year.
The configuration established during the trial will enable a secure, unhackable connection for more end-users in the future. The strength of this configuration lies in the ease with which it can be expanded to many more users and the relatively low costs of such expansion. Once connected, the parties involved can be certain that the communication line has not been tampered with. If a hacker attempts to steal the keys, the laws of quantum mechanics ensure that users are alerted as soon as the keys are compromised. A new set of keys is then generated to securely exchange further messages.
Currently, cybersecurity is ensured by encrypting data based on calculations that today's computers can barely solve. However, a powerful quantum computer can decipher these algorithms and expose sensitive data. Due to the unprecedented computing power of quantum computers, encrypted information can be decrypted in a very short time, risking sensitive information becoming accessible to malicious actors. Furthermore, data intercepted and stored now can be decrypted later by a quantum computer.
Quantum technology is developing at an incredible speed, and the quantum computer is arriving faster than expected. This technology has unprecedented potential to solve complex problems but also poses serious threats. For companies with critical infrastructure, like the Port Authority, this could represent a serious threat of operational disruption, leading to significant financial losses and physical damage. The Dutch port is already preparing for this not-so-distant future.
