Quantum Authenticated Key Distribution

Xiaobo Zheng, Zhiwen Zhao

Abstract Quantum key distribution uses the principle of quantum physics to realize unconditionally secure key distribution protocol. But this kind of security needs to be based on the authenticated classical channel. Although there are quantum key distribution protocols without classical channel, authentication is still needed. In the process of key distribution, authentication is not considered, which is also a problem of quantum key distribution protocol. In this paper, a quantum key distribution protocol with two-way authentication is proposed. Identity authentication is carried out at the same time of key distribution. If the identity authentication fails, the key distribution protocol cannot be carried out. If the key distribution protocol is aborted, the identity authentication is not successful. The conclusion of this paper is based on a central authentication system supported by symmetric encryption theory, which uses pseudo-random functions, multiple sets of quantum conjugate bases and Measurement-device-independent technology to simultaneously achieve two-way authentication and key distribution.

Mario Pivk

Pramod Kumar Sagar, Arnika Jain

Quantum computing is a type of computing that takes advantage of the principles of quantum mechanics to perform certain types of calculations much more efficiently than classical computers. Cloud computing has become the budding engine of the internet of things (IoT) and has become one of the most popular technologies in the last few years. The security of cloud computing is a key issue in the security of IoT. Quantum key distribution (QKD) and quantum authentication methods have been proposed in this chapter. The proposed protocol is able to authenticate the users in cloud using a short, shared key. The QKD is based on a quantum key distribution protocol that consists of two levels, namely, private key distribution and quantum authentication. The first level authentication takes place using shared key distribution. The second level authentication uses a shared key, and the third level authenticates the user in the cloud. The third level authentication is carried out using the quantum key distribution protocol.

G. Ribordy, Nicolas Gisin, Hugo Zbinden

Hung-Wen Wang, Chia‐Wei Tsai, Jason Lin +2 more

In 2021, Chang et al. proposed an authenticated semi-quantum key-distribution (ASQKD) protocol using single photons and an authenticated channel. However, an eavesdropper can launch a reflective attack to forge the receiver’s identity without being detected. In addition, Chang et al.’s ASQKD protocol assumes an authenticated classical channel between the sender and the receiver. It is considered illogical to have an authenticated channel in the ASQKD protocol. If these security issues are not addressed, the ASQKD protocol will fail to deliver the secret key. Therefore, this study proposes an efficient and secure ASQKD protocol to circumvent these problems using only single photons. Security analysis proves that the proposed ASQKD protocol can effectively avoid reflecting attacks, collective attacks, and other typical attacks. Compared with the existing ASQKD protocols, this study has the following advantages: based on a single photon, it demands less advanced quantum devices, the communication efficiency is higher than most protocols, it reduces the length of the required pre-shared keys, endures reflecting attacks, collective attacks, and there is no need for the classical channel.