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As the advent of powerful quantum computers looms, security experts are sounding the alarm over the vulnerability of current password encryption methods. Dubbed “Q-Day,” the day when quantum computers become capable of cracking today’s passwords is anticipated within the next decade, posing a significant threat to digital security worldwide.
In response to this impending challenge, researchers at ETH Zurich have unveiled a groundbreaking solution: a cryptographic one-way function based on DNA sequences, offering unparalleled security against quantum decryption methods. Unlike traditional encryption techniques, which rely on digital algorithms, this innovative system stores data as a sequence of nucleotides, the fundamental building blocks of DNA.
“This system is based on true randomness, linking input and output values in a physical manner that cannot be reverse-engineered by algorithms or even quantum computers,” explains Professor Robert Grass, lead researcher on the project. “By leveraging DNA’s inherent properties, we’ve developed a security system that transcends the limitations of digital encryption.”
The technology, detailed in a paper published in the journal Nature Communications, functions as a robust method for certifying the authenticity of valuable objects, including artwork, raw materials, and industrial products. At its core, the system utilizes a pool of 100 million DNA molecules, each containing random sequences representing input and output values.
Here’s how it works: a short nucleotide sequence, serving as the “key,” is subjected to polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing against the DNA pool. The PCR process identifies the DNA molecule with the matching input value, amplifying the corresponding output value located on the same molecule. Subsequent DNA sequencing renders the output value readable, verifying the authenticity of the key.
“While the principle may seem complex, the production of DNA molecules with built-in randomness is both inexpensive and straightforward,” adds Grass. “With production costs under 1 Swiss franc, this technology offers a cost-effective solution for secure authentication.”
The potential applications of this DNA-based security system are far-reaching. Initially, the technology is poised for use in highly sensitive environments, such as access control for restricted buildings or authentication of valuable goods. However, the researchers envision broader applications, including forgery-proof certification of artworks and secure tracking along industrial supply chains.
By incorporating DNA markers into artwork, for example, artists can authenticate multiple copies using the same DNA pool. Subsequent verification tests can confirm the authenticity of each artwork, providing owners with a reliable method for combating forgery. Similarly, the technology could be employed to link digital assets, such as non-fungible tokens (NFTs), to physical objects, bridging the gap between the digital and physical realms.
Moreover, the system offers potential benefits for industries requiring stringent quality control, such as aviation and pharmaceuticals. By ensuring traceability and authenticity throughout the supply chain, the technology can safeguard against counterfeiting and uphold product integrity.
ETH Zurich has filed a patent for this groundbreaking technology, signaling its potential for commercialization in the near future. As advancements in DNA sequencing technology continue, the researchers anticipate broader adoption of this innovative security solution, paving the way for a quantum-resistant approach to authentication in the digital age.
