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Voprosy kiberbezopasnosti

ON PRIMARY TECHNICAL DEVICES AND REQUIREMENTS FOR QUANTUM SYSTEM SECURITY KEYS

Аверьянов Виталий Сергеевич, Игорь Николаевич Карцан

Published Jan 1, 2023• 1 citation
Publisher

Abstract

Purpose of the article: development of new methods, algorithms and models to detect unauthorized actions of an intruder/s in relation to broadcast data represented in the form of one-photon pure states of light particles, which will allow: to strengthen the secrecy of basic security keys, improve procedures for data exchange and processing by legitimate users of the telecommunications system, expand the functionality of existing technological solutions in their classic representation. Research method: system analysis, information security assessment method. The result: risks of critical system errors for procedures of basic states measurement results matching and supposed potential possibilities of attacker to realize vulnerabilities through active phase of attacks with explicit critical outcome are presented. It is established that translation of mixed single-photon states and imposition on receiving hardware is explicitly uncontrolled, unaccountable and not contained in any algorithm of quantum protocols, which, according to the authors, is the most critical vulnerability of modern cryptographic systems based on quantum mechanics. A way to solve problems of “silent” scanning and to counteract hidden active attacks on quantum channel and particle states is proposed. The essence of the solution consists in non-orthogonality of states of a random basis vector and duplication of a main communication channel containing an information path on pulse signals broadcasting, where a known number of synchro-sentences in a backup line allows to trace an attacker. Fundamental is the knowledge of the primary-natural errors occurring at each of the stages of the formation of the main security key.

DOI
10.21681/2311-3456-2023-2-65-72

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Purpose of the article: development of new methods, algorithms and models to detect unauthorized actions of an intruder/s in relation to broadcast data represented in the form of one-photon pure states of light particles, which will allow: to strengthen the secrecy of basic security keys, improve procedures for data exchange and processing by legitimate users of the telecommunications system, expand the functionality of existing technological solutions in their classic representation. Research method: system analysis, information security assessment method. The result: risks of critical system errors for procedures of basic states measurement results matching and supposed potential possibilities of attacker to realize vulnerabilities through active phase of attacks with explicit critical outcome are presented. It is established that translation of mixed single-photon states and imposition on receiving hardware is explicitly uncontrolled, unaccountable and not contained in any algorithm of quantum protocols, which, according to the authors, is the most critical vulnerability of modern cryptographic systems based on quantum mechanics. A way to solve problems of “silent” scanning and to counteract hidden active attacks on quantum channel and particle states is proposed. The essence of the solution consists in non-orthogonality of states of a random basis vector and duplication of a main communication channel containing an information path on pulse signals broadcasting, where a known number of synchro-sentences in a backup line allows to trace an attacker. Fundamental is the knowledge of the primary-natural errors occurring at each of the stages of the formation of the main security key.
The article is devoted to identifying algorithms for unauthorized actions of an illegitimate user on optoelectronic components of ground and space communication stations, in cases where an attacking entity pre-scans the protected perimeter in search of critical vulnerabilities. Under scanning, the authors accept the technical process of extracting the most useful knowledge, both about the system and the data circulating in it. The methodology outlined in the study is aimed at identifying an attacker acting on two main quantum states of particles - Glauber states and incoherent ones. The most vulnerable component in both cases is the avalanche photodetector, which corresponds to the attack - “blindness”. Detection of an illegitimate user is possible due to a deep analysis of time slots, mainly in manual mode, automatic detection cannot be implemented today due to its low development. The research materials contain a descriptive part of four scenarios where an attacker has unlimited computing power in the form of software and hardware. At the same time, the order of the attacker's goals is defined as: scanning the system, detecting vulnerabilities, implementing security threats, penetrating the network and stealing data.
The development of fi ber-optic communication and data transmission systems gives rise to a number of new challenges, among which information protection against unauthorized access is of particular relevance. In response to this need, quantum cryptography has emerged – optical cryptographic systems with quantum key distribution. Such systems protect communication channels by encrypting data with a one-time secret key. The theoretical foundation guaranteeing secure key transmission relies on the Heisenberg uncertainty principle and the no-cloning theorem for quantum states of elementary particles. However, real-world quantum cryptography systems exhibit vulnerabilities stemming from imperfections in their components. Single photon detectors and single photon sources are critical elements of quantum key distribution systems. This work analyses the main types of attacks on quantum cryptography equipment and identifi es the key parameters of single photon sources and single photon detectors. Knowledge of their actual values can be crucial for proving a system’s resilience against attacks. Additionally, the paper describes the equipment and methods used to study single-photon sources. The study also describes the method and results of investigating the quantum effi ciency and false trigger probabilities of gated single-photon detectors with fi ber input. The described measurement methods are harmonized with the recommendations of the European Telecommunications Standards Institute. Together, the described measurement techniques and setups enable the assessment of single photon source and detector parameters during expert evaluation of quantum cryptography system vulnerabilities. The paper concludes with a call for the establishment of a reference database to support metrological assurance of key parameters for single photon sources and receivers, in order to advance quantum cryptography systems
Recent advances in quantum technology and the potential that practical quantum computers may become a reality in the future have led to renewed interest in developing cryptographic technologies that are secure against conventional and quantum attacks. Currently, virtually all asymmetric cryptographic schemes in use are threatened by the potential development of powerful quantum computers. Post-quantum cryptography is one of main the ways to combat this threat. Its security is based on the complexity of mathematical problems that are currently considered unsolvable efficiently, even with the help of quantum computers. The security of information systems is ensured through protection against various threats that use system vulnerabilities. Security protocols are the building blocks of secure communication. They implement security mechanisms to provide security services. Security protocols are considered abstract when analyzed, but may have additional vulnerabilities in implementation. This work contains a holistic study of security protocols. Basics of security protocols, taxonomy of attacks on security protocols and their implementation are considered, as well as various methods and models of protocol security analysis. In particular, the differences between information-theoretic and computational security, computational and symbolic models are specified. In addition, an overview of the computational security models for Authenticated Key Exchange (AKE) and Password Authentication Key Exchange (PAKE) protocols is provided. The most important security models for the AKE and PAKE protocols were also described. With the emergence of new technologies that may have different security requirements, as well as with increased opportunities for competition, there is always a need to develop new protocols. Thus, the purpose of this article is to review, classify, analyze, and research the vulnerabilities of information systems from classical, quantum, and special attacks, performed taking into account the forecast regarding the possibilities of attacks on post-quantum cryptographic transformations; studying security assessment models for existing cryptographic protocols, as well as reviewing and benchmarking security models and providing suggestions for protection against existing potential attacks.
With the rapid development of quantum technologies and the growth of complex cyber threats, it is particularly important to create reliable data protection methods that can guarantee the unconditional security of transmitted information.Quantum cryptography works based on stuff like superposition (the ability of particles to be in several states at once), quantum entanglement (how they're connected from a distance), and the fact that it's impossible to exactly copy or change a quantum state.The application of these principles makes it possible to implement quantum key distribution, which ensures the detection of any interference in the communication channel and makes it impossible to intercept information unnoticed.The article analyzes the most well-known quantum cryptographic protocols, in particular BB84 and E91, their architecture, principles of operation, and features of implementation in military conditions.The composition of typical quantum protection systems is considered: light pulse sources, channels for transmitting quantum data, devices for receiving them, information processing modules, and conventional communication channels for control.The issues of compatibility of quantum solutions with the existing infrastructure of military telecommunications systems are considered, and the prospects for hybrid cryptographic models combining quantum and post-quantum approaches are analyzed.A comparative analysis of traditional and quantum cryptography is carried out according to criteria such as reliability, scalability, resistance to attacks, and development potential.The main advantages of using quantum cryptography in the defense sector are highlighted, in particular, ensuring a secure command communication channel, protecting navigation and telemetry systems, and the secure operation of distributed networks in combat conditions.Examples of international developments and research are considered, in particular, the DARPA Quantum Network, the Chinese Micius satellite, and EU projects within the Quantum Flagship initiative.These examples demonstrate the interest of leading countries in introducing quantum technologies into the field of national security.The potential of quantum cryptography as a means of updating and strengthening the cyber defense system in № 8(49) 2025 1018 the defense sector has been identified, taking into account both current challenges and future threats in the digital environment.
This article contains: • Analysis of the results of the review of available publications. • Proposals for simple modeling tools of quantum cryptography with a reasonable degree of adequacy. • In particular, a description of the proposal which, according to the authors further complicates unau­thorized access to data transmitted on the quantum communication lines. • The main source of vulnerability of cryptographic communication lines is the need to transfer the key Opened channels. • The need for additional time loss for the procedure: Analysis of a random site in the keys. Repetition of the assay procedure, if the error rate is great. When designing modifications authors started from the next: As you know, trying to intercept the message leads to a change in the state of particles that will reveal a violation of the secrecy of transmission. It is impossible to get all the information about a quantum object, and therefore, it is impossible to seamlessly copy. However, access is possible with the replacement of the useful radiation noise. The proposed modification increases the robustness and integrity.
The development of modern computer technologies endangers the confidentiality of information, which is usually ensured by traditional cryptographic means. This circumstance forces us to look for new methods of protection. In view of modern trends, quantum cryptography methods can become such alternatives, which allow solving a number of important cryptographic problems, for which the impossibility of solving using only classical (that is, non-quantum) communication has been proven. Quantum cryptography is a branch of quantum informatics that studies methods of protecting information by using quantum carriers. The possibility of such protection is ensured by the fundamental laws of quantum mechanics. One of the promising directions of quantum cryptography is Quantum Secure Direct Communication (QSDC) that offers secure communication without any shared key. A characteristic feature of this method is the absence of cryptographic transformations, accordingly, there is no key distribution problem. The purpose of this work is a general overview of quantum cryptography protocols, finding their weak points for further development and improvement, as well as identifying vulnerabilities to different attacks. The article analyzes new methods and protocols, as well as presents their advantages and disadvantages. Based on partial generalizations of theoretical provisions and practical achievements in the field of quantum cryptography, a generalized classification was developed. By comparing various factors of the protocols, and their resistance to certain cyberattacks, we have the opportunity to identify several problems in this field and expand the possibilities for choosing appropriate methods for building modern quantum information protection systems. In accordance with this, conclusions were presented regarding the use of protocols and increasing the level of their effectiveness.