Journal of The Colloquium for Information Systems Security Education

Quantum Key Exchange Simulator

Michael McGregor, Michael Haney

Published Aug 30, 2018• 0 citations

Abstract

Quantum cryptography and key exchange is an important and challenging topic for cybersecurity and information assurance students, and one that is difficult to teach without an appropriate demonstration platform. In this paper, we describe the background of quantum key exchange (QKE) theory, modern implementations of QKE, and the role it plays in classical, symmetric key cryptography. We present a QKE simulator that can be used by educators to aid in the teaching of quantum key exchange concepts and processes. The simulator provides a hands-on learning mechanism with which the participants interact. It is designed to be engaging and practical for students to use by supporting the ability to walk through phases of quantum key exchange, pausing at each step, to facilitate discussion and comprehension of this complex security topic.

Related papers

Quantum Cryptography

Ahmed Mahmoud Abbas

Quantum cryptography is known the most up-to-date in domain of realistic cryptography notably the menace of quantum cryptanalysis which threatens security firmness of public key cryptography. Quantum cryptography has a famous scheme known as Quantum Key Exchange (QKE), that administrates generation and distribution of a secured random key between legitimate channel users depicted as sender and receiver. Consequently, such key could be used as a key for one-time pad hybrid cryptosystems to encrypt and authenticate messages over a quantum channel. (QKE) is based on unifying quantum physics concepts and information theory with conventional cryptographic schemes that target to produce a short secret session key between any two legitimate parties. An important phase in key creation of BB84 protocol is Privacy Amplification phase where two interconnecting parties distill highly secret shared key from a larger body of shared key, which is only partially secret. The two legitimate parties publicly exchange information to create a compressed key free from biased bits known by an eavesdropper.

IGI Global eBooksJan 1, 20180 citations

Quantum cryptography: a practical information security perspective

Kenneth G. Paterson, Fred C. Piper, Ruediger Schack

Quantum Key Exchange (QKE, also known as Quantum Key Distribution or QKD) allows communicating parties to securely establish cryptographic keys. It is a well-established fact that all QKE protocols require that the parties have access to an authentic channel. Without this authenticated link, QKE is vulnerable to man-in-the-middle attacks. Overlooking this fact results in exaggerated claims and/or false expectations about the potential impact of QKE. In this paper we present a systematic comparison of QKE with traditional key establishment protocols in realistic secure communication systems.

arXiv:quant-ph/0406147Jun 21, 200413 citations

Quantum Mechanics

Shabnam Siddiqui

Quantum mechanics is one of the most challenging subjects to learn. It is challenging because quantum phenomenon is counterintuitive, and the mathematics used to explain such a phenomenon is very abstract, and difficult to grasp. This textbook is an attempt to overcome these challenges. Every chapter presents quantum ideas step- by- step in a structured way with a comparison between quantum and classical concepts. It provides a clear distinction between classical and quantum logic. Conceptual questions are provided after every important section so that the reader can test their understanding at every step. Such an approach aids in preventing misconceptions. Problem solving is not restricted to solving differential equations and integration. But it requires to systematically and creatively analyze a problem, to apply the new and powerful concepts for finding a solution and to understand the physical meaning of the solution. The tutorials on special topics are an effort to teach problem solving by actively engaging the reader in a thinking process, to apply the concepts and to understand the physical meaning of the solution. The simulations are provided for some of the topics. The simulations aid in the visualization of the quantum phenomenon, and for meaningful understanding of the mathematics. This approach may lead to development of "quantum mechanical intuition "as well as learning mathematical techniques for problem solving. Most importantly, the book is not flooded with numerous topics that makes the reader confused and distracted, rather the most important topics are discussed at a deeper level. The understanding of quantum mechanics is incomplete without understanding the early ideas and experiments that lead to the development of the quantum theory. Thus, the first two chapters of the book are dedicated to such topics. The key features of this book are: A simplified, structured, and step-by-step introduction to quantum mechanics. The simplification is attained through use of two-level system, step- by- step discussion of important topics in a simplified language at a deeper level, analogies, and visualization using illustrations and simulations A systematic arrangement of topics, and numerous worked- out examples. The presentation of the structure in the mathematical formalism of quantum mechanics provides clarity in understanding complicated and abstract mathematics. It also helps to understand the distinction between the quantum mechanical and classical approaches Conceptual questions at the end of every important section. The conceptual questions can be used in a classroom as a point of discussion between an instructor and students Tutorials on special topics. Simulations on special topics aid in the visualization of the physical phenomenon, and demonstration of the application of mathematics An in-depth discussion of the wave-particle duality, measurement problem, and their philosophical implications in Chapter 2 provides an understanding of the broader meaning of quantum mechanics

CRC Press eBooksOct 10, 20181 citation

A Framework on Advancing Cybersecurity Education via Quantum Machine Learning

Celestina Kolog, Xian Mallory, Jie Yan +1 more

Quantum computing and artificial intelligence (AI) are two influential technologies that are beginning to shape how we solve problems in cybersecurity and education. As cyber threats become progressively complex, there is a growing need for students to understand how these advanced tools work and how to apply them in real-world sites. This paper presents a simple yet effective framework for designing hands-on labs that teach students about quantum machine learning (QML), which leverages the strengths of both quantum computing and Artificial Intelligences. These labs are meant to help students learn by solving practical cybersecurity challenges while developing technical skills in coding, quantum circuits, and machine learning models. We also reviewed key research from experts in the fields of quantum computing, cybersecurity, and education. Their insights helped us determine how to organize the topics and where they should be placed in a learning program. The goal is to make the learning process more interactive, scalable, and relevant to the digital world today. This method not only teaches students new technologies but also provides them with the chance to experience how these tools can be used to defend against real-world cyber threats.

IEEE International Conference on AI in Cybersecurity (ICAIC)Feb 18, 20260 citations

Why Quantum Cryptography

Kenneth G. Paterson, Fred C. Piper, Rüdiger Schack

Quantum Key Exchange (QKE, also known as Quantum Key Distribution or QKD) allows communicating parties to securely establish cryptographic keys. It is a well-established fact that all QKE protocols require that the parties have access to an authentic channel. Without this authenticated link, QKE is vulnerable to man-in-the-middle attacks. Unfortunately this fact is frequently overlooked, resulting in exaggerated claims and/or false expectations about the potential impact of QKE. In this paper we present a systematic comparison of QKE with traditional key exchange protocols in realistic secure communication systems. 1

Jan 1, 200437 citations

QubitQuest: Learning Quantum Computing through Mini-Games

Bella Hill, Miguel Ehécatl Morales-Trujillo

Quantum Computing (QC) is often challenging for beginners due to its abstract concepts and mathematical foundations. This paper explores the use of gamification to support the learning of introductory QC concepts. To investigate this, QubitQuest was developed as a set of three educational mini-games designed to teach key QC topics: the Bloch sphere, entanglement, and quantum circuits. The mini-games aim to balance engagement, motivation, and learning while introducing concepts in small and focused units of progressive difficulty. A two-phase user study was conducted to evaluate the mini-games. In the first phase, a preliminary survey was conducted to gather information on learners' preferences and inform the design of the mini-games. In the second phase, participants played the mini-games and completed pre- and post-game questionnaires to assess their learning. The results show that participants improved their understanding of introductory QC concepts after playing the mini-games, with post-game scores higher than pre-game scores. Those who completed more levels achieved higher post-game scores, indicating that motivation and engagement influenced the learning outcomes. These findings suggest that mini-games may improve students' learning experience and outcomes when exposed to introductory QC concepts.

arXiv:2604.24015Apr 27, 20260 citations