Security solutions provider Quantum Base and England’s Lancaster University have developed a quantum random number generator that could become a major step in combatting cyberattacks. The generator can easily be embedded in electronic devices to provide quantum security for authentication. “We have created a small, low power device that produces pure random numbers,” explains Quantum Base CEO Phillip Speed. “It can be incorporated into any electronic product with little or no incremental cost once volume production is achieved.”

“The generator is designed to provide 100 percent provable quantum security for authentication and communication when integrated in microelectronic products,” reports New Electronics. “According to the team, the Quantum Base QRNG can be embedded within any electronic device without increasing cost or complexity and with a very high maximum speed” and “overcomes the weaknesses of current QRNGs which are typically slow, expensive or large.”

Generating true random numbers could provide practical information security for banking, connected vehicles, e-commerce, gaming, smart home appliances and more.

“Flaws in the way current electronic devices produce random numbers weakens their security and makes them less efficient,” notes Rob Young, director of Lancaster University’s Quantum Technology Centre. “Our solution fixes this, but it’s also incredibly small and efficient, which is very important.”

Members of the team are at the Royal Society’s Summer Science Exhibition in London this week. More information is available on the Quantum Base site. An introductory video is also posted on YouTube.