Challenges
Datasets
Workspaces
Papers
Discussions
Leaderboard
Log inSign up
Challenges
Datasets
Workspaces
Papers
Discussions
Leaderboard
Blog
Job Board
Q3AS

© 2026 Aqora Quantum S.A.S.

TermsPrivacyLegal Notice

Entropy

Quantum Identity Authentication in the Counterfactual Quantum Key Distribution Protocol

Bin Liu, Zhifeng Gao, Di Xiao, Wei Huang, Zhiqing Zhang, Bingjie Xu

Published May 23, 2019• 17 citations
Publisher

Abstract

In this paper, a quantum identity authentication protocol is presented based on the counterfactual quantum key distribution system. Utilizing the proposed protocol, two participants can verify each other's identity through the counterfactual quantum communication system. The security of the protocol is proved against individual attacks. Furthermore, according to the characteristics of the counterfactual quantum key distribution system, we propose an authenticated counterfactual quantum key distribution protocol based on a novel strategy of mixing the two types of quantum cryptographic protocols randomly. The authenticated quantum key distribution can also be used to update the extent of the authentication keys.

DOI
10.3390/e21050518

Related papers

A Composed Protocol of Quantum Identity Authentication Plus Quantum Key Distribution Based on Squeezed States

Sheng Zhang, Jian Wang, Chaojing Tang +1 more

It is established that a single quantum cryptography protocol usually cooperates with other cryptographic systems, such as an authentication system, in the real world. However, few protocols have been proposed on how to combine two or more quantum protocols. To fill this gap, we propose a composed quantum protocol, containing both quantum identity authentication and quantum key distribution, using squeezed states. Hence, not only the identity can be verified, but also a new private key can be generated by our new protocol. We also analyze the security under an optimal attack, and the efficiency, which is defined by the threshold of the tolerant error rate, using Gaussian error function.

Communications in Theoretical Physics•Aug 1, 2011•3 citations

Two-party quantum identity authentication without entanglement

Yuqi Wang, Liya Jian, Shiming Liu +3 more

This study proposes a two-party quantum identity authentication protocol that does not require the participation of a third party. The protocol can verify the user’s identity without exposing the authentication key information, and it can be implemented with a single-photon state, which does not involve entanglement, enabling it to be combined with existing technologies. The shared key is protected by the protocol and hidden during communication, and the security of the authentication scheme is analyzed and verified under general attack. Further analysis results indicate that this protocol is secure and efficient.

Journal of Applied Physics•Oct 9, 2023•0 citations

Mutual entity authentication of quantum key distribution network system using authentication qubits

Hojoong Park, Byung Kwon Park, Min Ki Woo +5 more

Abstract Entity authentication is crucial for ensuring secure quantum communication as it helps confirm the identity of participants before transmitting any confidential information. We propose a practical entity authentication protocol for quantum key distribution (QKD) network systems that utilizes authentication qubits. In this protocol, authentication qubits that are encoded with pre-shared information are generated and exchanged to verify the legitimacy of each entity. By using the authentication qubit, participants can identify each other with enhanced security level through the quantum channel. The proposed protocol can be easily integrated with existing QKD systems without the need for additional hardware. In this study, we demonstrated the efficacy of the proposed scheme using a 1xN QKD network system and verified its stable operation over a deployed fiber network. Additionally, a security analysis of the proposed entity authentication protocol and architecture is provided.

EPJ Quantum Technology•Nov 15, 2023•9 citations

Quantum key distribution with two-way authentication

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.

Optical and Quantum Electronics•Jun 1, 2021•13 citations

Quantum key distribution with authentication

Guihua Zeng, Xinmei Wang

The security of the previous quantum key distribution (QKD) protocols, which is guaranteed by the nature of physics law, is based on the legitimate users. However, impersonation of the legitimate communicators by eavesdroppers, in practice, will be inevitable. In fact, the previous QKD protocols is unsecure without authentication in practical communication. In this paper, we proposed an improved QKD protocol that can simultaneously distribute the quantum secret key and verify the communicators' identity. This presented authentication scheme is provably secure.

arXiv:quant-ph/9812022•Dec 10, 1998•6 citations

Authenticated Quantum Key Distribution Protocol

Jincheng Zhang

This paper proposes a novel protocol for authenticated quantum key distribution (QKD) that addresses the inherent vulnerabilities of traditional, centralized key management systems. The core concept leverages the security of QKD to establish a shared secret key, then integrates this key with a classical authentication protocol to verify the identities of the communicating parties. The protocol, denoted as AQKD, aims to enhance overall communication security by combining the unique properties of quantum key distribution with robust classical authentication mechanisms. The design incorporates a multi-round key exchange utilizing Bennett-May-Crabtree (BMC) protocol and incorporates a challenge-response mechanism for authentication. The proposed protocol mitigates risks associated with compromised central servers and provides a more resilient security posture. The primary contribution lies in the synergistic integration of these two established cryptographic paradigms, resulting in a more secure and adaptable communication system. The protocol's security is analyzed, considering potential attacks and demonstrating its resilience. The simulation results highlight the effectiveness of AQKD in establishing secure communication channels, particularly against eavesdropping and identity forgery attempts.

•Aug 31, 2026•0 citations
In this paper, a quantum identity authentication protocol is presented based on the counterfactual quantum key distribution system. Utilizing the proposed protocol, two participants can verify each other's identity through the counterfactual quantum communication system. The security of the protocol is proved against individual attacks. Furthermore, according to the characteristics of the counterfactual quantum key distribution system, we propose an authenticated counterfactual quantum key distribution protocol based on a novel strategy of mixing the two types of quantum cryptographic protocols randomly. The authenticated quantum key distribution can also be used to update the extent of the authentication keys.
It is established that a single quantum cryptography protocol usually cooperates with other cryptographic systems, such as an authentication system, in the real world. However, few protocols have been proposed on how to combine two or more quantum protocols. To fill this gap, we propose a composed quantum protocol, containing both quantum identity authentication and quantum key distribution, using squeezed states. Hence, not only the identity can be verified, but also a new private key can be generated by our new protocol. We also analyze the security under an optimal attack, and the efficiency, which is defined by the threshold of the tolerant error rate, using Gaussian error function.
This study proposes a two-party quantum identity authentication protocol that does not require the participation of a third party. The protocol can verify the user’s identity without exposing the authentication key information, and it can be implemented with a single-photon state, which does not involve entanglement, enabling it to be combined with existing technologies. The shared key is protected by the protocol and hidden during communication, and the security of the authentication scheme is analyzed and verified under general attack. Further analysis results indicate that this protocol is secure and efficient.
Abstract Entity authentication is crucial for ensuring secure quantum communication as it helps confirm the identity of participants before transmitting any confidential information. We propose a practical entity authentication protocol for quantum key distribution (QKD) network systems that utilizes authentication qubits. In this protocol, authentication qubits that are encoded with pre-shared information are generated and exchanged to verify the legitimacy of each entity. By using the authentication qubit, participants can identify each other with enhanced security level through the quantum channel. The proposed protocol can be easily integrated with existing QKD systems without the need for additional hardware. In this study, we demonstrated the efficacy of the proposed scheme using a 1xN QKD network system and verified its stable operation over a deployed fiber network. Additionally, a security analysis of the proposed entity authentication protocol and architecture is provided.
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.
The security of the previous quantum key distribution (QKD) protocols, which is guaranteed by the nature of physics law, is based on the legitimate users. However, impersonation of the legitimate communicators by eavesdroppers, in practice, will be inevitable. In fact, the previous QKD protocols is unsecure without authentication in practical communication. In this paper, we proposed an improved QKD protocol that can simultaneously distribute the quantum secret key and verify the communicators' identity. This presented authentication scheme is provably secure.
This paper proposes a novel protocol for authenticated quantum key distribution (QKD) that addresses the inherent vulnerabilities of traditional, centralized key management systems. The core concept leverages the security of QKD to establish a shared secret key, then integrates this key with a classical authentication protocol to verify the identities of the communicating parties. The protocol, denoted as AQKD, aims to enhance overall communication security by combining the unique properties of quantum key distribution with robust classical authentication mechanisms. The design incorporates a multi-round key exchange utilizing Bennett-May-Crabtree (BMC) protocol and incorporates a challenge-response mechanism for authentication. The proposed protocol mitigates risks associated with compromised central servers and provides a more resilient security posture. The primary contribution lies in the synergistic integration of these two established cryptographic paradigms, resulting in a more secure and adaptable communication system. The protocol's security is analyzed, considering potential attacks and demonstrating its resilience. The simulation results highlight the effectiveness of AQKD in establishing secure communication channels, particularly against eavesdropping and identity forgery attempts.