Quantum cryptography - Key to the quantum industry

Hengyu Li, Yun Dong, Yusheng Zhang +1 more

Abstract The exploration of security applications of quantum cryptography for industrial control systems is a key research effort aimed at enhancing the security of industrial control systems through quantum cryptography. In this paper, we study the security threats faced by industrial control systems, including network attacks, data leakage, and system tampering, and propose to utilize quantum key distribution and quantum invisible state transfer algorithms to ensure the secure transmission of industrial control system data. The simulation test environment of the upper and lower computers of the industrial control system is built. The quantum encryption and decryption algorithms are deployed in the embedded environment and PCs to test the effectiveness of quantum cryptography to enhance the advanced encryption standard key scheme. The experimental results show that the quantum cryptography technology successfully realizes the encryption and decryption of data, and the total time consumed in the whole process is less than 61.8 seconds, which meets the requirements of a real-time industrial control system. Therefore, quantum cryptography is suitable for protecting field-level data in industrial control systems.

Jigar Kishor Thakkar

Pam Choy, Dustin Cates, Florent Chehwan +3 more

Лариса Владимировна Черкесова, Denis A. Korochentsev, Elena Aleksandrovna Revyakina +2 more

This article deals with vulnerabilities of quantum cryptography systems and quantum key distribution. Solutions that exclude the possibility of quantum attacks on existing quantum key distribution systems are proposed.

Mikio Fujiwara

Sudhanshu Maurya, Shreyas Kasture, Amit Shukla

This paper proposes a unique paradigm for strengthening secure communications in industrial mechatronics and embedded systems by seamlessly combining post-quantum and quantum cryptography. Implementing quantum key distribution (QKD) protocols, notably BB84 and E91, which allow parties to generate securely shared keys over untrusted quantum channels, forms the system's foundation. A thorough analysis of these QKD algorithms reveals they can offer guaranteed eavesdropping detection and unconditional forward secrecy, two features necessary for building secure, solid communications. The paper incorporates advanced post-quantum cryptographic techniques developed during the NIST Post-Quantum Cryptography competition to address the imminent threat of widespread quantum computing capabilities. These include the lattice-based CRYSTALS-Kyber and hash-based SPHINCS+ algorithm. The framework utilizes an advanced hybrid technique that provides a robust compound security solution by deriving subordinate keys for the post-quantum cryptographic primitives from the QKD-established root keys. Moreover, the study suggests an automated key management system that effectively manages the essential lifecycle, including creation, distribution, revocation, and rotation, while guaranteeing adherence to current industrial security requirements, including IEC 62443. The speed of crucial cryptographic processes, such as key exchange, encryption, decryption, signature, and verification for the quantum and post-quantum components, is measured by performance assessment. It weighs trade-offs versus established techniques like an elliptic curve and RSA cryptography. Through enhancing the security and resilience of critical industrial infrastructure, such as manufacturing facilities and power grids, this study lowers the chances of system failures or malicious assaults, improves public safety, and prevents disruptions.