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Cryptography solution can be compromised by bright light

An elite cryptography solution can reportedly be compromised by simply shining a torch into its sensitive interiors, it has been claimed.

Quantum cryptography, which is touted as being an unbreakable online security solution, can be compromised, thanks to a flaw in one of the equipments it uses, a Norwegian researcher claims.

The flaw in the cryptography platform makes it possible to intercept messages without detection by shining bright light into the sensitive equipment, New Scientist reports.

"It turns the equipment into a puppet-box that an eavesdropper can control," revealed Vadim Makarov from the Norwegian University of Science and Technology in Trondheim.

Banking institutions use Quantum cryptography to protect data and the system has also been used for other purposes such as protecting last year's election results in Switzerland.

The Institute for Quantum Computing in Waterloo, Canada has however said the flaw is not serious and a hacker can easily be detected if attempts to compromise the system are made.

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