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Springer eBooks

Quantum Key Distribution

Jasper Rödiger

Published Jan 1, 2023• 2 citations
Publisher

Abstract

Abstract A new class of computers, so-called quantum computers, will soon be able to crack common encryption algorithms. Quantum key distribution is a promising solution to stay secure in the age of the quantum computer, which is progressively getting industrialized in recent years. Worldwide, point-to-point quantum key distribution links are combined into larger and larger testbed networks, which approach more and more commercially usable networks. Topics like certification and standardization have become increasingly important for quantum key distribution.

DOI
10.1007/978-3-031-33386-6_9

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Abstract A new class of computers, so-called quantum computers, will soon be able to crack common encryption algorithms. Quantum key distribution is a promising solution to stay secure in the age of the quantum computer, which is progressively getting industrialized in recent years. Worldwide, point-to-point quantum key distribution links are combined into larger and larger testbed networks, which approach more and more commercially usable networks. Topics like certification and standardization have become increasingly important for quantum key distribution.
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Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) is the first technology derived from Quantum Information and Quantum Computation that is being marketed. To date, the commercial applications are in the encryption of point to point links. Now, the next logical step is about to be taken. Full quantum networks able to transport the keys to be used in symmetric key cryptography with a security level previously unattained are being designed. The proof of concept of many of the ingredients needed exist and networks with a few nodes have been implemented. The first networks will cover a metropolitan area and demonstrate the feasibility of large-scale QKD integrated with classical networks. If it succeeds in the marketplace, this could signal a major shift in how cryptography is used today.
Abstract The potential future development of quantum computers, which could threaten the security of current networks, underscores the importance of planning for the transition to quantum-safe solutions. One approach under consideration, and the focus of this chapter, is the development of quantum key distribution (QKD) networks, which enable the secure distribution of secret keys between pairs of users within the network. At the foundation of a QKD network is a QKD link, which consists of a single optical connection between two QKD devices. This chapter explores the technology behind QKD links, introduces various models of QKD networks, and highlights real-world implementations being pursued by several countries worldwide.
Quantum key distribution (QKD) is an innovative technology allowing information-theoretically-secure key sharing among distant users relying only on fundamental rules of quantum physics, without assumptions about the computational power of the attacker [1]. Different variants of this technology are making their way into the market since several years and QKD testbeds are under deployment worldwide, for institutional and commercial use. Among the remaining challenges, its integration in existing infrastructure is a vital one, together with the hybridization with different technologies.
Quantum key distribution is an innovative technique to distribute encryption keys without compromise. This paper focuses on the application of this technique to achieve reliable communication in an ever-evolving and increasingly vulnerable environment. Designers of cryptosystems have three basic objectives; designing cryptographic algorithms that adequately scramble the target data, developing strong encryption keys to lock and unlock the algorithm, and securely distributing the keys between communicating devices. The advance of quantum computing technologies threatens to expose the world's most prolific key method overnight. Though quantum computing is not yet a reality, the basic principles have been proven in laboratories. Furthermore, quantum computing has been shown to be especially suited for computations of complex mathematic equations; such as distilling the private keys from the public keys used in public key infrastructures (PKI). In this environment, it's comforting to know that the most advanced technology in the broad field of quantum communications just happens to be a new method of creating and distributing encryption keys. This technology is referred to as quantum key distribution (QKD). QKD technologies shift the current paradigm on two plains. The first is that it uses quantum principles, rather than conventional means, for distributing keys between devices. The quantum principles guarantee the key can not be intercepted during transmission without alerting the users of a compromise. The second shift is derived from the fact that encrypted data can not be intercepted today and decrypted at a later date when the computing power exists to crack the code. This shift is dependant on the use of a combination of QKD and one-time pad. Because of the quantum principles that QKD relies on, when a key is successfully created and shared, it can not be cracked using intercepted data. The keys are derived from a convergence of random operations conducted at the sender and receiver stations. Indeed, neither the sender nor the receiver can determine what the key will be until the entire process is completed. As a piece of our security infrastructure, QKD significantly raises our security posture. This paper explains the application of quantum principals used to enable QKD systems.