Implementation Security of Quantum Cryptography: Introduction, challenges, solutions

Philippe B. Gallion

Marco Lucamarini, Andrew Shields, Romain Alléaume +18 more

Abdul Mirza

The information society that presides today is dependent on the communication industry to facilitate unintelligible data transfers between authenticated parties. Such requirements have, to date, taken advantage of security based on the mathematical complexities of certain algorithms. However, the advancement of computing power and the advent of the quantum computer together with the vulnerability of this scheme to mathematical progress have prompted the introduction of quantum cryptography. This process, through the laws of quantum physics, ensures provably secure data communication. Quantum cryptography provides physical protection to individual bits of information thus providing a hardware implemented solution. The implementation of this theoretical concept requires much practical innovation for transparent deployment into current cryptographic solutions. This thesis introduces the concept of quantum cryptography in a practical perspective. It raises a few core concerns with the present quantum cryptographic technology and provides some solutions towards the practical deployment of commercially feasible quantum cryptographic systems. The thesis commences with an introduction to classical cryptography focussing on key management protocols. This is followed by the presentation of the basic concepts of Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) together with an explanation of some QKD protocols and parameter required to classify such protocols. Chapter 2 discusses the theoretical and practical aspects of quantum channels in particular optical fibre. The primary challenges of transferring classical and quantum data along these channels are mentioned together with some solutions. A description of experimental usage with present QKD solutions is presented in Chapter 3. An investigation into highly efficient QKD protocols follows illustrating effective post-distribution processing for increasing the efficiency of the BB84 protocol. Chapter 4 begins with the limitations of present day QKD systems and explicates Quantum Networks as a possible solution. An introduction to classical networking theory is first presented after which some quantum network architectures based on passive optical networks are illustrated. Finally the proposed Quantum City project in conjunction with the eThekwini Municipality is explained. The realization of this project is intended to be complete by the third quarter of 2008 effectively making Durban into the first Quantum City in the world.

Andrzej Grzywak, George Pilch-Kowalczyk

Adil Haleem Khan, Khawla Khamis, Maitha Al Mesafri +3 more

With the constantly changing world of computers nowadays, the introduction of quantum computing has posed immense threats to the security of old and previous encryption algorithms. Post-Quantum Cryptography or PQC refers to a new generation of algorithms specifically created to resist the intense quantum computer attacks and offer secure and long-lasting protection to digital communications. As the potential of quantum technology becomes increasingly evident, the pursuit of secure, future-proof cryptographic solutions has never been more critical. This systematic review explores different PQC solutions for their strengths, weaknesses, and challenges of implementation. provides a comprehensive analysis of key studies on quantum-resistant algorithms, migration strategies and examines cryptographic security measures to present a complete picture of the latest advancements in quantum-safe cryptography. In this systematic paper, different PQC algorithms such as lattice, hash, code, multivariate and isogeny are reviewed along with their advantages and disadvantages. It also discusses how such findings will affect the security of real world communication, digital signatures, as well as blockchain security. This ensures how important it is to establish standardized PQC protocols for overall data security. This paper concludes with what future research directions and practical considerations relate to the adoption of PQC in critical infrastructures.

Alok Priyadarshi, Raushan Kumar, Kumar Soumya +2 more