Modern Physics Letters B

Security of a control key in quantum key distribution

Junaid ur Rehman, Saad Qaisar, Youngmin Jeong, Hyundong Shin

Published Apr 11, 2017• 4 citations

Abstract

Quantum key distribution (QKD) schemes rely on the randomness to exchange secret keys between two parties. A control key to generate the same (pseudo)-randomness for the key exchanging parties increases the key exchange rate. However, the use of pseudo-randomness where true randomness is required makes a classical system vulnerable to the known plain-text attack. Contrary to the belief of unavailability of this attack in QKD, we show that this attack is actually possible whenever a control key is employed. In this paper, we show that it is possible to make use of the uncertainty principle to not only avoid this attack, but also remove the hazards of photon-number splitting attack in quantum setting. We define the secrecy of control key based on the guessing probability, and propose a scheme to achieve this defined secrecy. We show the general applicability of our framework on the most common QKD schemes.

DOI: 10.1142/s0217984917501196

Related papers

Quantum key distribution with a control key

Junaid ur Rehman, Youngmin Jeong, Hyundong Shin

Quantum key distribution (QKD) relies on randomness to exchange secret keys among the communicating parties. While ensuring the secrecy of the keys being distributed, independent randomness also causes to reduce the number of key bits that can be shared per quantum signal exchanged. Recently it was shown that it is possible to use pseudo-randomness in place of true randomness in the QKD without compromising the integrity of a QKD scheme. By the virtue of a short secret key — called a control key — shared among the key sharing parties, same pseudo-randomness can be generated at the transmitter and the receiver end that allow to obtain a higher key exchange rate. However, there are certain modifications which are necessary before pseudo-randomness can be safely employed in a QKD procedure. In this paper, we provide a modification of QKD schemes for a secure use with the control key. We modify the prepare-and-measure (BB84) type, and measurement-device independent protocols. We then verify the advantages of use of control key in terms of key rates for the modification of two QKD schemes.

International Symposium on Wireless Communication SystemsAug 1, 20172 citations

Effect of pseudo-random number on the security of quantum key distribution protocol

Xiaoliang Yang, Yu-Qing 毓擎 Li 李, Hong-Wei Li

Abstract In the process of quantum key distribution (QKD), the communicating parties need to randomly determine quantum states and measurement bases. To ensure the security of key distribution, we aim to use true random sequences generated by true random number generators as the source of randomness. In practical systems, due to the difficulty of obtaining true random numbers, pseudo-random number generators are used instead. Although the random numbers generated by pseudo-random number generators are statistically random, meeting the requirements of uniform distribution and independence, they rely on an initial seed to generate corresponding pseudo-random sequences. Attackers may predict future elements from the initial elements of the random sequence, posing a security risk to quantum key distribution. This paper analyzes the problems existing in current pseudo-random number generators and proposes corresponding attack methods and applicable scenarios based on the vulnerabilities in the pseudo-random sequence generation process. Under certain conditions, it is possible to obtain the keys of the communicating parties with very low error rates, thus effectively attacking the quantum key system. This paper presents new requirements for the use of random numbers in quantum key systems, which can effectively guide the security evaluation of quantum key distribution protocols.

Chinese Physics BDec 3, 20244 citations

Quantum Key Generation Based on Quantum Mechanical Principles

Jincheng Zhang

This paper presents a novel approach to cryptographic key generation leveraging fundamental principles of quantum mechanics, specifically quantum superposition and quantum entanglement. The core idea centers around Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) protocols, employing these quantum phenomena to establish a secure key exchange. We detail a method for generating keys based on the inherent uncertainty associated with quantum measurement, providing a significantly enhanced level of security compared to traditional key generation methods reliant on computational complexity. The proposed system utilizes entangled photon pairs to create a shared random key, followed by classical post-processing steps to eliminate errors and ensure key secrecy. The theoretical framework is presented with a focus on the mathematical underpinnings of quantum key generation and security proofs. We examine the potential vulnerabilities and mitigation strategies, highlighting the robustness of the approach against eavesdropping attempts. The development of this system aims to address the growing need for truly secure cryptographic solutions in an era of increasingly sophisticated cyber threats. ---

Aug 29, 20260 citations

A quantum pseudo-random number generation scheme

Yinghua Jiang, Biao Liu, Chenfei Guo +1 more

Abstract Quantum random key distribution based on physical properties of quantum mechanics has high security and true randomness, but it has the disadvantages of low key generation efficiency and high cost. The classic pseudo-random number generator has the advantages of simple algorithm and high key generation efficiency, but it has extremely strict requirements on the security and randomness of the "seed". Based on the analysis of two unrelated technologies, this paper proposes a pseudo-random number generation scheme based on quantum key distribution. This scheme makes full use of quantum key distribution to share a short quantum random number-seed between the two communicating parties, then inputs the seed into a pseudo-random number generator. Finally, the two communicating parties share a long random number to encrypt the communication content. Research shows that compared with classic quantum key distribution and classic pseudo-random number generator, this scheme has stronger security, better randomness, and higher key generation efficiency.

Journal of Physics Conference SeriesAug 1, 20213 citations

Deterministic quantum key distribution based on random phase coding

Lin Qing-Qun, Wang Fa-Qiang, Mi Jing-Long +3 more

We propose a new quantum key distribution scheme based on random phase coding. In this scheme, the sender and the receiver can share the secret information without basis reconciliation,and besides, this scheme is more efficient. As the phase of the qubit is coded randomly, this protocol is robust even when the source is not a prefect single photon. We show theoretically that it has higher security against the attacks, such as the photon-number-splitting, the impersonation attack, and the Trojan attack, etc., than the previous QKD scheme.

Acta Physica SinicaJan 1, 20075 citations

Quantum Key Distribution for Secure Communication Protocols

Jincheng Zhang

This paper proposes a novel secure communication protocol based on Quantum Key Distribution (QKD). The core claim is to design a protocol capable of completely secure key transmission, resisting eavesdropping and manipulation, thereby guaranteeing communication security. The protocol leverages quantum entanglement to facilitate quantum key transmission and employs cryptographic algorithms for key encryption and decryption. Traditional secure communication protocols relying on classical key exchange are vulnerable to attacks. QKD offers a significantly higher level of security. This document details the protocol's architecture, mathematical formulation of the key exchange process, and the security analysis underpinning its design. The focus is on demonstrating a robust system against known classical and quantum attacks, providing a foundation for future secure communication networks. The system is designed for a two-party communication scenario, aiming for maximal security with reasonable complexity.

Aug 28, 20260 citations