Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) has been developed over the last decade; QKD addresses the challenge of a securely exchanging cryptographic key between two parties over an insecure channel where there are two parties that simultaneously generate and share a secret key using the polarization of quantum states of light by applying the phenomena of quantum physics. The integration of QKD protocol with public key cryptography for securely exchanging the encryption/decryption keys is proposed and simulated, the simulation results evaluate the work of the existing and proposed protocol taking into account different measures. Finally, a short security analysis is given to show the difference between the proposed protocol and its counterparts.
Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) has been developed over the last decade; QKD addresses the challenge of a securely exchanging cryptographic key between two parties over an insecure channel where there are two parties that simultaneously generate and share a secret key using the polarization of quantum states of light by applying the phenomena of quantum physics. The integration of QKD protocol with public key cryptography for securely exchanging the encryption/decryption keys is proposed and simulated, the simulation results evaluate the work of the existing and proposed protocol taking into account different measures. Finally, a short security analysis is given to show the difference between the proposed protocol and its counterparts.
Quantum key distribution is a sub topic under quantum cryptography where two parties distribute a shared random bit string known only to them and which can be used as a key to encrypt and decrypt messages. This paper proposes a novel method of QKD to distribute the secret key. The basic concept of QKD remains the same but the process by which the key is exchanged between the two parties is different and is much more secure than the existing QKD protocols. The proposed method exploits the concept of hamming weight.
Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) which is the name of cryptography in quantum environment act as the highest developed area in quantum communication and computing technology (QCIT). \n \nQKD is inventive technology which utilize the laws of quantum to create a cryptographic share key to make the communication system secure. The unique feature of QKD assures eavesdropping detectable during quantum communications which is fascinating for a high-level secure environment.Most of the traditional cryptographic methods which we use currently are based on mathematical scheme or Computational complexity theory which are not completely safe. Using quantum cryptography has been achieved extensive steps in communication security establishment. As the information Unit has been changed from “bit” to Quantum bit (Qubit), a new element has been offered that can guarantee the shared information confidentiality between parties. The confidentiality of system is established via exchanging a secret key through a channel of quantum, the key which we use for encrypting the shared data. This structure has quantum integration which has been developed by physics law and techniques of cryptography. \n \nThis thesis has proposed a modified version of QKD protocol, this new protocol will generate a cryptographic share key for a more efficient, lower cost and secure communication between two parties (sender and Receiver). This new protocol principal is similar to BBM92, but the source of photon moved to sender instead of third-party photon generator, following steps will be executed in this Experiment: \n \n•\tObserve different categories protocols of QKD in details \n•\tThe Quantum Mechanics Visualisation Project (QuVis) is the simulation software that has been used for implementing the proposed protocol [BB84 with spin] among the other three (BBM92, B92 and BB84). \n•\tProbability ratio of error will be tested and compared for all protocols, for this experiment 100 to 5000 photons will be sent. \n \nBy Analysing collected data in this experiment, it will be determined which one of this four protocols lead the detecting of eavesdropping. Simulation software accomplishes the value of error key probability which receiver can use and should not pass over the range limit of 0.25 & 0.5.
Irrespective of the duration for which the classical system based on bits remains secure, the imminent advent of quantum systems demands a robust cryptographic mechanism to safeguard both manifest data and the existing system’s structure and infrastructure against various threats. Quantum mechanics may provide a solution in the form of quantum key distribution (QKD), a set of processes designed to generate and exchange cryptographic keys between two parties. Each unique method and algorithm within QKD can be characterized as a protocol. In 1984, Charles Bennett and Gilles Brassard introduced the first QKD protocol, BB84. Subsequent QKD protocols have been developed based on different principles, including Heisenberg’s uncertainty principle, polarization, entanglement, and the non-cloning theory. Other scientists have enhanced some QKD protocols, leading to variations with different names. However, not all these protocols can be implemented in classical systems, as they specifically require a quantum system. The current challenge revolves around the complex and pressing need to develop a QKD protocol that can function effectively on classical systems, quantum systems, or both. In the chapter, QKD protocols are comprehensively examined, with each protocol being meticulously reviewed through technical steps elucidating how the protocol facilitates the exchange of secret keys. Each QKD protocol is dissected to unveil its underlying mechanisms, providing a detailed exploration of the cryptographic procedures involved in generating and exchanging secure cryptographic keys.
Large quantum computers will be able to break the cryptographic algorithms on which current secure communications rely on. Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC) and Quantum key distribution (QKD) are two security technologies that show protection capabilities against the latent quantum threat. While PQC relies on different hard mathematical problems to develop a wide variety of cryptographic operations, QKD is based on quantum physics laws to generate and distribute symmetric cryptographic keys through different QKD protocols. These keys can be used by different applications to perform security transformations. QKD still requires authentication to prevent man-in-the-middle attacks. The hybridization of PQC and QKD is an important step for future secure infrastructures, being able to provide long-term security. In this work we propose authenticated QKD approaches that rely on pre-shared keys and hybrid PQC/QKD alternatives and which are able to securely exchange secret QKD keys through authenticated channels. We identify the different configuration alternatives and their parameters, as well as we develop a wide performance evaluation. Results show that pre-shared keys and PQC-based authentication through Dilithium algorithm are the fastest alternatives. Also, we show the potential of the T12 QKD protocol.
Quantum cryptography provides secret communication, which offers various security factors like confidentiality, integrity, and authentication assurance based on the law of physics. The law of physics states that quantum computing can also be applied into the communication sector, which is particularly in the field of cryptography. Then quantum can significantly distribute the data securely by applying quantum key distribution (QKD), quantum key sharing, etc. In the classical cryptography, it is difficult to compute secret keys using security concepts like key exchange and authentication, etc., and it fails to provide adequate protection during data communication as it needs some effective computation in terms of security. The lack of security in the data communication can be overcome by using the concept of quantum computing. Generally, in quantum computing, elementary quantum systems like polarized photons are used to transmit digital information based on the principle of uncertainty as it gives rise to a significant phenomenon of effective security in terms of communication compared to existing concepts related to cryptography. In quantum computing, the detection ratio for identifying the data which are sent through a communication channel is more difficult as it uses qubits and photons to represent the data that are sent. Quantum channels are used to distribute the information between two users as it passes through the unprotected classical channels as it is unknown to anyone else. Assuming that Alice and Bob use a latent noise channel to send a key, reconciliation is the process of correcting errors between Alice and Bob’s version of the key. This is done by public discussion, which leaks some information about the secret key to an undercover. This chapter gives a discussion on QKD concepts as it helps to provide a secure communication, where the information is broadcasting through a quantum channel. Finally, the various existing quantum protocols are described in relation to some security measures based on QKD, and the standard QKD protocol of BB84 is discussed.
Over the past few decades, cryptography has played a pivotal role in strengthening information security, introducing groundbreaking methods to safeguard data confidentiality and integrity. Among these innovations, quantum cryptography has emerged as a rapidly evolving discipline, addressing critical challenges associated with secure communication. One of its most significant contributions is Quantum Key Distribution (QKD), a robust framework for establishing secure cryptographic keys between legitimate parties. This paper offers a detailed technical review of QKD protocols developed over the last thirty years, analyzing the fundamental principles governing key generation through quantum mechanics and advanced encryption techniques. Furthermore, it explores the interdependencies among core QKD protocol elements, proposing enhancements to strengthen the cryptosystem. Quantitative evaluations of QKD protocols are presented, with particular emphasis on runtime performance. Additionally, this paper outlines a generalized model of each reviewed protocol, grounded in robust security principles.