A solution developed within the Latvian Quantum Technology Development Partnership has already reached end users

In cooperation between LLC Mikrotīkls (hereinafter – MikroTik) and SJSC Latvian State Radio and Television Center (hereinafter – LVRTC), innovative solutions have been developed that allow MikroTik devices to use quantum-secure data transmission. The latest versions of RouterOS (from 7.21beta2) already provide the ability to use encryption keys generated by quantum communication devices, thus making Internet connections secure against future threats that could be posed by quantum computers.

Quantum security – the next step in data protection, according to LVRTC. The new solution allows MikroTik customers to use encryption keys provided by a quantum key distribution (QKD) system. This means that data transmission becomes resistant even to potential quantum computer attacks, which could threaten traditional encryption methods in the future.

“The developed software is designed with high reliability and flexibility – if the device temporarily loses communication with the quantum communication device, data transmission is not interrupted but continues to operate using other available key synchronization methods. This ensures uninterrupted and secure connection operation,” emphasizes MikroTik project manager Uldis Čerņevskis.

The solution is based on the latest international standards. “This implementation is based on best practices, using key combination in the IKEv2 process in accordance with the recommendations of the Internet Engineering Task Force and the data structures of the RFC 8784 standard,” emphasizes LVRTC’s leading quantum technology researcher, Associate Professor at the University of Latvia.

The solution developed by Mikrotīkls was initially tested using a QCI KME emulator developed by students of the Computer Science program at the University of Latvia, which mimics the key service of real quantum devices. After successful testing, the solution was approved with real QCI devices operating in the Latvian national quantum infrastructure (LatQN) network, managed by LVRTC.

This is a successful example of how technical knowledge and national infrastructure expertise can be transformed into a practical solution, supporting the innovations of Latvian manufacturers and promoting the technological independence of the state and the European Union in the field of security.

The development of quantum technologies in Latvia has significant growth and innovation potential. Latvia is becoming a regional center for quantum technology research and development, which is why, in 2023, on the initiative of LVRTC, a memorandum of cooperation in the development of quantum technologies was signed by more than 10 organizations. This year, 14 organizations have already joined the memorandum, and a solution created through joint efforts and knowledge exchange of the memorandum partners has now reached end users.

The memorandum aims to promote the international competitiveness of Latvian high technology in the field of quantum technology, including (1) developing local expertise and innovation; (2) creating, developing, and jointly using a test environment for technological solutions; (3) supporting the creation, adaptation, and coordinated development of innovative solutions in quantum technology; (4) promoting cooperation between the academic sector and industry to stimulate knowledge transfer in the Latvian economy; (5) organizing joint meetings several times a year to discuss the status of existing initiatives, current projects and joint work in the development of quantum technologies.