AboveNet and QinetiQ Partner to Make Network Based Quantum Cryptography a Reality

LONDON - AboveNet’s Fibre-Optic Network in London to be Used for In-Depth Validation Trials

AboveNet, a leading provider of fibre optic and IP connectivity solutions for business and carriers, and QinetiQ, the defence, security and technology company, have announced a strategic partnership that will exploit an advanced cryptography solution to provide strong network security for communications. This solution aims to make quantum cryptography a reality across optical networks.

Operating QinetiQ’s quantum-based security over AboveNet’s dedicated fibre optic network in London will offer an extremely secure way for governments, financial institutions and organisations with high security requirements, to transfer confidential information and sensitive data. With the number and variety of security threats increasing every day, QinetiQ’s security solution will significantly strengthen the management of the network security in a practical manner. Strong management of the encryption codes to prevent insider and external theft or hacking ensure that the costs associated with recovery and disruption to businesses are minimised.

The quantum technique at the heart of QinetiQ’s network security solution enables the dynamic re-coding of equipment across a network topology. The technique exploits the complex quantum world, where light transmitting along optical fibres actually consists of many quantum particles called photons. Information is encoded onto properties of the photon such that if an eavesdropper attempts to steal the photon’s information, system performance is disturbed and an alarm is triggered. When combined with other cryptographic techniques the network solution provides the highest forward and backward security with strong and dynamic access management.

“We are taking quantum cryptography out of the research lab and into practical commercial applications. We are moving from simple point to point demonstrations to a network solution that will be secure, scalable, flexible, dynamic and most importantly, is applicable to standard network topologies.” added Magnus McEwen-King, of QinetiQ Ventures. “As the technology becomes market-ready, AboveNet is well placed to help us roll out quantum-based security solutions to its current and future customer base and address global telecoms network security applications. Next generation broadband networks rely on widespread rollout of fibre connectivity and our quantum cryptography project is designing the next generation of data network security to support this.”

“With fibre already considered to be one of the most secure mediums to transport data, Quantum cryptography will enable the most cutting-edge security encryption for fibre connectivity - the standard for next-generation networks,” commented John Donaldson, managing director at AboveNet. “Once proven in London, it has the potential to protect the nation’s data from security threats, now and in the future. It’s exciting to be making that level of security a reality.”

NOTES TO EDITORS

About AboveNet, Inc.

AboveNet, provides high bandwidth connectivity solutions for enterprise customers and carriers. Its private optical network delivers key network and IP services in and among 15 top U.S. metro markets and London. AboveNet’s network is widely used in demanding markets such as financial services and media.UK Headquarters: Centurion House, 24 Monument Street, London, EC3R 8AJ

For more information, please visit: www.above.net

About QinetiQ

QinetiQ (pronounced “kinetic”) is a leading international defence and security technology company with over 8,000 employees in EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Australasia) and more than 5,500 in North America.

QinetiQ’s vision is to be the world’s leading provider of defence and security based technology solutions and services.

In February 2006, QinetiQ Group plc was listed on the London Stock Exchange and joined the FTSE250 in June 2006. In the year to 31 March 2008, QinetiQ delivered a 19 per cent increase in revenue to GBP1,366m, including organic growth of 8.6 per cent, and a 20 per cent increase in underlying operating profit to GBP127m. Underlying earnings per share increased by 19% to 13.4p per share.

www.qinetiq.com

For further press information, interviews and photography, please contact the team at LEWIS PR: Niki Hutchinson/ Sarah Phillips, +44(0)20-7802-2626 abovenet@lewispr.com or Claire Scotter +44(0)1252-394-627 clscotter@qinetiq.com

Source: AboveNet Inc.

For further press information, interviews and photography, please contact the team at LEWIS PR:
Niki Hutchinson/ Sarah Phillips, +44(0)20-7802-2626, abovenet at lewispr.com or Claire Scotter +44(0)1252-394-627, clscotter at qinetiq.com