"Cosmic Rays Generate and Distribute Random Numbers to Boost Security for Local Devices and Networks"
Emerging technologies such as quantum computers are likely to compromise current information security methods. One of the reasons why they are insecure is that both the encrypted messages and the decryption keys must be sent from the sender to the receiver. Researchers at the University of Tokyo have proposed and demonstrated a new method dubbed COSMOCAT that eliminates the need to send a decryption key. According to the researchers, cosmic rays transport the decryption key for us, so even if messages are intercepted, they cannot be read using any theorized approach. Professor Hiroyuki Tanaka at the University of Tokyo said COSMOCAT could be used in addition to or in place of existing wireless communication technologies such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Near-Field Communication (NFC), and more. It is also said to be capable of exceeding the speed limits of current Bluetooth encryption standards. However, the range in which it can be used is limited. It is best suited for small local networks, such as those within a building. This article continues to discuss the COSMOCAT method developed to bolster security for local devices and networks.