"Hacking Quantum Cryptography" by Antia Lamas-Linares (alamas@tacc.utexas.edu)

Location: ARL auditorium (Pickle Campus). Map: https://goo.gl/maps/wRDidLZ3JXN2

Abstract: Quantum cryptography or quantum key distribution uses the weirdness of quantum mechanics to provide point to point secure communication that is proven unbreakable as long as the laws of physics stand as we currently know them. In the real world however, proofs of security rely on additional assumptions about the world, and this has the potential to break our strong quantum mechanics based encryption. In this talk I will discuss the nature of these assumptions and how we exploited them in practice, to recover the full key exchanged in a QKD field demonstration.

If anybody decides to brave Austin traffic and come up north, I am happy also to provide a tour of the TACC facilities after the talk. We are after all the 10th largest supercomputer in the world :)

For those interested in a tour of TACC following the talk please follow up with Antia directly via email so she has a headcount.