DNA Security Systems Based on Molecular Randomness

Explore the cutting-edge intersection of molecular biology and cybersecurity in this 41-minute conference talk from the 39th Chaos Communication Congress. Discover how nucleic acids are being developed as alternative data storage media and platforms for molecular computing, with a particular focus on DNA cryptography based on random chemistry. Learn about the theoretical foundations of DNA information technology dating back to the mid-20th century and examine current academic and industry advances in implementing these systems. Delve into the concept of Chemical Unclonable Functions (CUFs) based on randomly generated synthetic DNA sequences, which function similarly to Physical Unclonable Functions (PUFs) but contain vast random elements that cannot be reconstructed algorithmically or synthetically. Understand how biochemical processing enables these systems to operate like cryptographic hash functions, creating new authentication protocols that bridge the physical and digital worlds. Examine both the advantages and limitations of using DNA as a security medium, and explore potential future implementations including anti-counterfeiting applications for medicines and personal signatures for artworks. Gain insights into how viewing physical systems through an information perspective can reveal new synergies, applications, and security architectures while reconsidering concepts of entropy, randomness, and information in experimental sciences.