Scientist unveil "Unbreakable" Encryption

[BTM]

So, I just looked at this article about a group of scientists doing a test run with a new form of encryption they claim is UNBREAKABLE.  Dunno, me I'd be hesitate to call any sort of security measure that I just created on a computer "unbreakable" cause that's like a open invitation for every fruitcake and nut hacker out there to try and prove them wrong, and perhaps a cosmic signal to the universe saying, "Hey, I dare you to make something bad happen to this!"  Sort of like they called the Titanic "unsinkable".

I don't understand the technology, but apparently this encryption is based on "sending streams of light particles, or photons -- and that, say the scientists who created it, means it is entirely secure, as any eavesdropping would leave traces and immediately be detected."  Light particles?   That sounds interesting... not sure I've heard that one before, although I do seem to vaguely recall hearing on the news somewhere about some souped up ISP technology that uses lasers (I think) to transmit data.  It's several times faster than Cable but expensive as hell.  (Maybe it wasn't lasers, I don't know, like I said it was years ago when I heard about it...)

Anyway, as for this being unbreakable, that'd be great if it works.  We'll just have to wait and see.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/sciencequantumphysicsittelecomaustria

[ghouck]

I think the key is that it's not unbreakable "ENCRYPTION", it's an unbreakable "ENCRYPTION SYSTEM". In other words, it's not transplantable. It's not something you can use on your cellphone, home computer, or home security system that will make it more secure.

Still a cool idea, using the quantum principal that measuring a subject always changes that subject to some degree. I wonder if one could use that system to make the data useless, prompting the administrators to drop the security in order to be able to use it. Kinda like repeatedly setting off someone's car alarm until they get tired of resetting it and shut it off altogether.