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International Conference Laser Optics (ICLO)

Optical fuse as a countermeasure against light injection attacks on quantum key distribution systems

E.V. Borisova, Anastasiya Ponosova, Boris I. Galagan, Vasily V. Koltashev, N. R. A Rutyunyan, V.V. Makarov

Published Jul 1, 2024• 1 citation
Publisher

Abstract

In this paper, we propose an original device that can protect quantum key distribution (QKD) systems from the effects of intense laser radiation. Carbon nanomaterials dispersed in a polymer can be used as a fuse for QKD systems.
DOI
10.1109/iclo59702.2024.10623944

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Quantum key distribution (QKD) systems provide quantum-safe key exchange. Therefore, complete security analysis of implementations of QKD protocols is in the focus of interest of a worldwide information-security community. For today, a number of QKD loopholes are closed by countermeasures, which are also considered in emerging QKD security evaluation and certification [1]–[3]. However, new threats to practical QKD implementations are still found, such as the laser-damage attack, which is a powerful hacking strategy. In investigations, CW laser radiation is most often used, but in contrast to it, the interaction of pulsed laser radiation with optical materials may lead to a wide range of effects, like nonlinear effects, dielectric breakdown, etc.
The optical beam splitter is an essential device used for decoding in quantum key distribution. The impact of optical beam splitters on the security of quantum key distribution was studied, and it was found that the realistic device characteristics closely influence the error rate introduced by the wavelength-dependent attack on optical beam splitters. A countermeasure, combining device selection and error rate over-threshold alarms, is proposed to protect against such attacks. Beam splitters made of mirror coatings are recommended, and the variation of splitting ratio should be restricted to lower than 1 dB at 1260–1700 nm. For the partial attack scenario where the eavesdropper attacks only a portion of the quantum signal, a modified secure key rate formula is proposed to eliminate the revealed information of the attacked portion. Numerical results show that the QKD system adopting this countermeasure exhibits good performance with a secure key rate of over 10 kbps at 100 km and a maximum transmission distance of over 150 km, with only a small difference from the no-attack scenario. Additionally, a countermeasure to monitor the light intensity of different wavelengths is proposed to protect against the wavelength-dependent attack on optical beam splitters.