The leading Russian microelectronics producer Mikron, in collaboration with QRate, Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, and with backing from JSC Research and Development Center, has unveiled a prototype of a distinctive software and hardware complex that employs quantum key distribution in any user device. This marks the first Russian effort to deliver complete information protection across individual applications and the entire mobile network infrastructure. This update comes from the Mikron press service. (Source: Mikron press service)
The joint solution from Mikron, TsIR, QRate, and MIPT features a quantum network capable of generating and transmitting cryptographic keys between geographically separated private network segments. With the keys produced, a fully connected secure network of user mobile devices — loaded with specialized software for confidential communication — is established. (Source: Mikron press service)
The software and hardware complex, commissioned by the Research and Development Center, consists of the QRate key distribution algorithm, a smart card based on a secure domestic Mikron microcontroller, and a smartphone software package developed by MIPT. The smart card delivers a pre-distributed quantum-protected master key, from which derived session keys are generated and issued to the user device, ensuring secure communication. Included on the smartphone is a dedicated messenger that uses end-to-end encryption derived from these session keys during data transfers between subscribers. (Source: Mikron press service)
According to Stepan Andreev, head of the Radiophotonics Department at the National Telecommunications Research Center of MIPT and a Doctor of Physical and Mathematical Sciences, certification of the complex is anticipated by late 2025. In the meantime, the system is ready for test operation and for developing commercially demanded scenarios in the corporate sector. (Source: Mikron press service)
Earlier warnings have been issued about security risks to SIM cards used by foreign operators. (Source: Mikron press service)