With the looming threat of quantum computers capable of breaking classical encryption and the uncertainty regarding the security of post-quantum encryption algorithms, some highly sensitive applications aim for the highest level of security in information transfer: unconditional security. In this work we present an architecture and a practical implementation of a user-friendly unconditionally secure file transfer client based on quantum key distribution and one time pad cipher. We test the implementation on the live QKD research infrastructure within POLITEHNICA Bucharest, thus proving the approach is feasible for real information transfer use-cases.
With the looming threat of quantum computers capable of breaking classical encryption and the uncertainty regarding the security of post-quantum encryption algorithms, some highly sensitive applications aim for the highest level of security in information transfer: unconditional security. In this work we present an architecture and a practical implementation of a user-friendly unconditionally secure file transfer client based on quantum key distribution and one time pad cipher. We test the implementation on the live QKD research infrastructure within POLITEHNICA Bucharest, thus proving the approach is feasible for real information transfer use-cases.
With quantum computing nearing cryptographically relevant capabilities, classical file transfer systems face significant vulnerabilities, necessitating quantum-resistant solutions. This paper presents a hybrid architecture for secure file transfer, integrating a simulated BB84 quantum key distribution (QKD) protocol with adaptive encryption to achieve post-quantum security. The system intelligently selects one-time pad (OTP) cryptography for files up to 1MB, ensuring perfect secrecy, and AES-256-GCM for larger files, balancing efficiency and integrity, both using quantum-derived keys. Implemented in a TCP-based client-server framework, it employs a quantum key management module to maintain a pool of secure keys, with real-time error detection for eavesdropping. Experimental evaluation demonstrates robust key generation (error rate < 1% without eavesdropping, ~ 15% with interception), reliable encryption, and efficient transfers on standard hardware, eliminating the need for specialized quantum devices. This scalable, software-based solution advances quantum-enhanced protection for distributed file-sharing environments, addressing the urgent demand for practical post-quantum security.
This paper presents a novel extension of SSL/TLS that significantly facilitates the integration of quantum key distribution (QKD) with the already-existing Internet security infrastructure. This extended version of SSL/TLS is called QSSL (quantum SSL). During the development of QSSL, a concentration has been made on the creation of a simple, efficient, general, and flexible architecture that enables the deployment of practical quantum cryptographic-based security applications. Indeed, QSSL efficiently supports unconditionally secure encryption (one-time pad) and/or unconditionally secure authentication (based on universal hashing). A simplified version of QSSL based on BB84 (Bennett-Brassard 1984) QKD protocol has also been implemented and experimentally tested.
This paper proposes a new data transmission technique that uses Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) method, One Time Pad (OTP) encryption technique and Huffman encoding compression algorithm to transmit the data more securely and efficiently. While data is transmitted, requirements like secrecy, less overhead through compression etc are crucial issues. QKD is one of the most promising methods which provide unconditional security. It relies upon the immutable laws of quantum physics rather than computational complexity as the basis of its secrecy. To establish the trust between the sender and the receiver, this paper considers a trusted center that distributes and verifies the key. Also it uses Huffman encoding-a lossless compression algorithm to compress the transmitted data over the classical channel that reduces the data transmission overhead. Moreover for data encryption, it applies OTP technique with the key randomly generated by the QKD method that ensures the secrecy of the transmitted data over the classical channel. Thus the overhead of both quantum and classical channels are reduced. Finally the time requirements for encoding-decoding and encryption-decryption for the proposed technique are evaluated.
This Research Focuses on,the advent of quantum computing poses significant risks to classical encryption methods, rendering many existing cryptographic protocols obsolete. Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) emerges as a revolutionary solution, leveraging the principles of quantum mechanics to enable unconditionally secure communication. This research paper explores the implementation and advancements in QKD for securing networks against post-quantum threats. We analyze the challenges, practical implementations, and future prospects of integrating QKD into modern communication infrastructures. The findings highlight the critical role of QKD in ensuring resilient cybersecurity in the quantum era. We analyze the challenges, practical implementations, and future prospects of integrating QKD into modern communication infrastructures. The findings highlight the critical role of QKD in ensuring resilient cybersecurity in the quantum era.
As we move further into the era of digital transformation, cloud services are becoming a cornerstone across industries such as healthcare, agriculture, and Industry 4.0. These sectors increasingly rely on cloud environments to collect, process, and store vast amounts of data, often integrated with smart devices. While ensuring high availability and efficiency remains vital, the paramount concern is maintaining data security. This challenge becomes even more pressing in a world where quantum computers pose a serious threat to traditional cryptographic methods. Classical encryption schemes, particularly those relying on computational hardness assumptions, are susceptible to quantum attacks. This paper proposes a solution by combining the theoretically unbreakable One-Time Pad (OTP) encryption with quantum-safe key exchange protocols. Through the integration of Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) and post-quantum cryptographic techniques, we outline a robust framework designed to secure communication in the coming quantum era.
SSL/TLS is the protocol that is used for the vast majority of secure transactions over the Internet. However, this protocol needs to be extended in order to create a promising platform for the integration of quantum cryptography (QC) into the Internet infrastructure. This paper presents a novel extension of SSL/TLS that significantly facilitates such type of integration. This extended version of SSL/TLS is called QSSL (Quantum SSL). During the development of QSSL, a concentration has been made on the creation of a simple, efficient, general, and flexible architecture that enables the deployment of practical quantum cryptographic-based security applications. Indeed, QSSL efficiently supports unconditionally secure encryption (one-time pad) and/or unconditionally secure authentication (based on universal hashing). A simplified version of QSSL based on BB84 (Bennett-Brassard 84) quantum key distribution (QKD) protocol has been implemented and experimentally tested. This has enabled us to experimentally assess our protocol design based on software simulation of the quantum channel events used for QKD.