World Cup Uses Quantum Cryptography to Guarantee Secure Communications

Durban's Moses Mabhida Stadium in South Africa is employing quantum cryptography to protect data networks at the World Cup. With the quantum system, videos, e-mails and phone calls from the stadium and a nearby operations center for police, firefighters and military personnel is theoretically impenetrable.

Quantum cryptography involves encoding information in photons, and enables two parties to produce a shared random bit string known only to them. When a third party attempts to hack the key, anomalies are easily detected.

After the World Cup, Durban plans to deploy more quantum security system throughout the city.