YORK researchers have made a major step to improve the development of 'unhackable' communications.

Researchers at the University of York have teamed up with colleagues at the University of Cambridge and BT to build a new high-speed link which will enable the development of quantum technologies.

The new network link will be used to trial 'unhackable' communications for critical and sensitive data in sectors such as healthcare, banking, logistics and defence.

Quantum links are secure because they rely on particles of light to transmit encryption keys through the optical fibre.

If a hacker tries to intercept these communications the key changes, alerting both sender and receiver to their presence.

Professor Tim Spiller, from the department of physics in York, said: "This new network represents a major step forward, providing a direct link between research and industry and an opportunity to develop new applications and services."

The link uses more than 125km of standard BT optical fibre to carry both quantum and non-quantum traffic and is an important step in protecting the UK from cyber threats.