Written by George Dunlop, Co-Founder & Director of Partnerships, Quantum Dice
Quantum Dice welcomes the National Cyber Security Centre’s latest white paper on Quantum Networking Technologies. We are pleased to see an updated articulation of the NCSC’s position on emerging quantum communications — specifically around Quantum Key Distribution (QKD), the development of Quantum Random Number Generators (QRNGs), and the transition toward future quantum networking architectures.
The paper rightly recognises the substantial progress of the UK quantum programme since the National Quantum Strategy was published in 2022, alongside international milestones such as the standardisation of post-quantum cryptography (PQC) by NIST. Against this backdrop, we support the NCSC’s continued focus on technologies that can enhance classical systems and support strong assurance.
The role of QRNGs in delivering future-proof classical security
Classical random number generators have underpinned secure systems for many years — but as the NCSC highlights, QRNGs offer two additional properties that may be of strategic value:
- The capability to detect degradation of the entropy source in real-time, through precise modelling of the system; and,
- The ability to generate entropy at significantly higher rates.
QRNGs must go beyond generating quantum entropy: they must prove its quality, integrity, and reliability when deployed. This is the focus of Quantum Dice’s patented DISC™ protocol, which combines high-rate photonic quantum random number generation with continuous live monitoring of the source. DISC™ delivers continuous monitoring when environmental disturbances or implementation‐level attacks would impact entropy quality — enabling mitigation before degradation could impact systems.
Responding to the NCSC’s recommendations
The NCSC calls for further work in three areas as QRNG development progresses:
- Assurance of the entropy source
- Engineering QRNGs into robust products
- Understanding their role in larger, predominantly classical systems
Quantum Dice is actively advancing all three priorities. Our QRNG modules are designed to give assurance of entropy quality; can be integrated into standard security appliances; we are working with partners on integrating them into the next generation of security appliances, and are deploying them to support classical cryptographic systems, including those transitioning to PQC.
Looking ahead
As the UK progresses towards its ambition of deploying the world’s most advanced quantum network by 2035, we believe QRNGs will play a key enabling role — both in future quantum communications systems and in securing the classical cryptographic ecosystem that will continue to underpin the UK’s digital infrastructure.
Quantum Dice remains committed to collaborating with industry, standards bodies, and government stakeholders to ensure QRNGs are developed, assured, and integrated in a way that supports the UK’s long-term cyber resilience.
and real-time quantum assurance
