With the advent of massive Internet of Things (IoT) applications, the demand for efficient and secure data communication has been increased. Quantum key distribution (QKD) and information-centric networking (ICN) can be considered promising approaches. However, because these approaches have been developed independently thus far, they impose problems in effectively meeting demand. In this paper, we propose a system architecture that combines the two networking technologies such that each problem can be compensated for in a sophisticated manner. Through comprehensive simulations, we demonstrate that the streamlined system brings about a significant synergistic effect especially in terms of the utilization efficiency of secure keys and the effectiveness of content delivery.
With the advent of massive Internet of Things (IoT) applications, the demand for efficient and secure data communication has been increased. Quantum key distribution (QKD) and information-centric networking (ICN) can be considered promising approaches. However, because these approaches have been developed independently thus far, they impose problems in effectively meeting demand. In this paper, we propose a system architecture that combines the two networking technologies such that each problem can be compensated for in a sophisticated manner. Through comprehensive simulations, we demonstrate that the streamlined system brings about a significant synergistic effect especially in terms of the utilization efficiency of secure keys and the effectiveness of content delivery.
Current and next-generation networks are threatened by emerging attacks from quantum computers. To protect these services against quantum threat, quantum key distribution (QKD) using optical networks is being investigated and tested as a safe countermeasure to provide information-theoretic security. Although recent studies confirm the feasibility of QKD over optical networks, two main technical challenges, among others, remain unaddressed: the limited rate of generating keys requires efficient key distribution to secure the numerous applications, and as key requests from applications can be characterized by different importance, QKD networks need a key distribution platform that accounts for such diversity. To address these challenges, we propose to incorporate the paradigm of Information-Centric Networking (ICN) within the QKD process, and we describe a novel information-centric quantum key distribution (IC-QKD) network for efficient and differentiated key distribution. We first design a semantic-based key distribution scheme, which leverages ICN to incorporate the knowledge of application importance in QKD and to enhance the resource efficiency of QKD by decoupling the sender from its receiver. We then propose an in-network key-caching scheme, which is especially advantageous for multi-cast applications, as keys can be cached and reused for multiple users of a multicast group to accelerate key distribution. Finally, we design a semantic-based application analysis for semantic-based key caching and distribution, which serves various applications with different priorities. Simulation results show that the proposed QKD network can reach up to about 16 percent increase in the capability of serving key requests with respect to the existing QKD network.
The fast development of Internet of Things (IoT) devices has introduced unknown security issues in the networked systems. Classical cryptography methods are restricted to sophisticated attacks and the emerging threat of quantum computing. This survey paper presents the overview of quantum key distribution (QKD) use in IoT settings, systematic review of the research trend, technological solutions, challenges, and future developments. We examine more than 150 published in-between 2018-2025 research papers, categorize the current QKD-IoT solutions, and uncover gaps in the research. We find that hybrid QKD-classical cryptography designs provide promise of realistic IoT implementation and edge-based quantum gateways emerge as an architecture of scalable implementation.
The rapid expansion of the Internet of Things (IoT) has introduced significant security challenges, especially in safeguarding sensitive data transmitted across vast networks. Traditional cryptographic methods, though widely used, face increasing vulnerabilities in light of advancements in quantum computing. This research explores the application of quantum cryptography, particularly Quantum Key Distribution (QKD), to secure data transmission in IoT networks. Quantum cryptography offers a revolutionary approach by utilizing the principles of quantum mechanics, ensuring communication channels are resistant to eavesdropping and quantum attacks. Despite its promise, integrating quantum cryptography into resource-constrained IoT environments presents several technical challenges. This paper examines current quantum cryptographic techniques, their feasibility for IoT applications, and proposed solutions for overcoming integration hurdles. Case studies of real-world implementations and experimental results are discussed to highlight the effectiveness of these methods. The findings suggest that quantum cryptography, while still in its infancy for IoT, has the potential to provide robust security solutions in future networks.
In the era of the interconnection of all things, the security of the Internet of Things (IoT) has become a new challenge. The theoretical basis of unconditional security can be guaranteed by using quantum keys, which can form a QKD network-based security protection system of quantum Internet of Things (Q-IoT). However, due to the low generation rate of the quantum keys, the lack of a reasonable key allocation scheme can reduce the overall service quality. Therefore, this paper proposes a dynamic on-demand key allocation scheme, named DDKA-QKDN, to better meet the requirements of lightweight in the application scenario of Q-IoT and make efficient use of quantum key resources. Taking the two processes of the quantum key pool (QKP) key allocation and the QKP key supplement into account, the scheme dynamically allocates quantum keys and supplements the QKP on demand, which quantitatively weighs the quantum key quantity and security requirements of key requests in proportion. The simulation results show that the system efficiency and the ability of QKP to provide key request services are significantly improved by this scheme.
With the advent of smart homes, smart cities, and smart everything, the Internet of Things (IoT) has emerged as an area of incredible impact, potential, and growth. Internet of Things date security remain a major challenge, in the current Internet of Things systems, a relatively easy method of data encryption is used to ensure the security of data transmission, which is commonly called lightweight cryptography. However, such method is at the risk of being cracked by quantum computers, which will contribute to many challenges specially related to privacy and security in IoT. As a result, the architecture of IoT needs to be re-designed considering the security challenges brought by quantum computers. On the other hand, Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) allows two users to share unconditionally secure keys. Unlike classical cryptosystems, the security of QKD is based on the fundamentals of quantum mechanics. This security of QKD is independent of computational complexity and will not be affected, no matter how much computing power the adversary has. This paper introduces a quantum key distribution enhanced Internet of Things architecture and proposes a residual-adaptive key provisioning scheme, which is evaluated in terms of key distribution success rate in the simulation.
The rapid proliferation of Internet of Things devices (IoT) across healthcare, smart homes, transportation, and industrial automation has led to an unprecedented exchange of sensitive data over wireless channels, exposing these networks to cyberattacks, eavesdropping, and unauthorized access.Conventional cryptographic techniques, which rely on computational hardness assumptions, are increasingly vulnerable to the emerging capabilities of quantum computing.This paper explores the application of Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) as a means of enabling secure and dependable data communication for IoT devices.By exploiting the fundamental principles of quantum mechanics, QKD allows two communicating parties to generate a shared secret key while inherently detecting any attempt at interception.The proposed approach aims to enhance data privacy, ensure secure authentication, preserve confidentiality, and safeguard IoT systems against present and future quantum enabled threats.The integration of quantum based security techniques into existing IoT infrastructure is examined, along with its implications for improving the reliability and trustworthiness of wireless IoT communication systems.This work positions Quantum Enhanced Secure Data Communication as a forward looking security solution for next generation IoT networks.