Quantum Authentication – What is it and how does it work?

With the number of counterfeits and fake items on the rise, it’s now more important than ever that we have a way of ensuring what we buy is the genuine artefact. From pharmaceuticals and medical devices to mechanical components for aircraft and motor vehicles, it’s getting harder and harder to detect fakes, putting more lives at risk every year. That’s where Quantum Base comes in.

Our unique anti-counterfeit solution puts the power of authentication back in the hands of customers, giving them the confidence they need to make their purchases. But how does something so tiny protect against counterfeit items?

What is Quantum Authentication?

Quantum authentication is the process of verifying a product’s history and identity to determine whether or not it is a genuine item or a counterfeit lookalike. Whereas most counterfeit solutions rely on holograms and security tags, which can easily be copied, cloned or faked, we use a random combination of quantum materials to protect our products.

Typical methods of counterfeiting won’t work against our Q-ID® tags, since they can’t be replicated like conventional protection measures. Despite the clear advantages of using a quantum solution, there’s still one small problem… size.

Because we use materials printed on an atomic level, it’s impossible to see them with the naked eye. That’s why we came up with a verification method that uses technology readily available to the public – the only thing you need to authenticate items protected by our tags is a smartphone. It’s as easy as taking a picture!

How does Quantum Authentication work?

Quantum authentication begins with our revolutionary Q-ID® tags, which are made up of two components. Firstly, the quantum material which is imprinted onto the side of the product. Then we apply a recognisable element, often a QR Code, section of text, or logo. Features such as these are used to help the phone locate the quantum patch, which is how we ensure unbreakable security for the product or packaging.

To scan your product, simply download the Quantum Base app on your smartphone, and navigate to the authentication section to bring up the camera. Once it has located the patch of quantum material, the flash of the smartphone camera excites the tag and produces a ‘quantum signature’. This signature is then read by the phone and cross-checked against our extensive product database, which can be done both on or offline. If the quantum signature is the same as one of our registered items, it’s a match!

Within the space of a few seconds, you’ll have all the relevant product information at your fingertips. Manufacture and expiry dates, batch numbers, ingredients, and unique ID numbers can all be available for viewing, along with the history about the products’ previous location thanks to real-time track and trace data integration.

How you can protect yourself from Counterfeit Items

The best way to protect yourself from counterfeits is to use Quantum Base’s solution, but there are some extra things you can do which can help you identify fake items if you are still unsure.

Check the Labelling

Labels are one of the easiest parts of a product to fake, as many of their designs can be copied or printed directly onto the packaging. Look for badly reproduced or suspiciously loose-fitting labels.

Inspect the Packaging

Some product packaging will be marked with text or logos, which can be the first indicator that an item might not be genuine. Missing text and ID numbers, spelling mistakes, and small colour differences can be the key to finding counterfeits, particularly for descriptions that have been poorly translated.

Be cautious of Low Prices

Many criminals will sell items lower than the typical retail value in an attempt to entice buyers in with cheap prices. But cheaper prices often mean cheaper products. If you think the price is too good to be true, then it probably is.

Time to Authenticate!

If you want to become a market leader in counterfeit protection, build brand trust, and inspire customer loyalty, choose Quantum Base for your anti-counterfeit solution. Our authentication solution can be used by manufacturers, distributors and buyers to check product information and location history at any point of the supply chain.

Check out our authentication demonstration below: