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SpringerBriefs in information security and cryptography

MKD (Memory Key Distribution)

Ernst Piller, Hubert Schölnast

Published Jan 1, 2026• 0 citations
Publisher

Abstract

Abstract MKD (Memory Key Distribution) takes a completely different approach to QKD and RKD. With MKD, non-deterministic random number generators generate the cryptographic keys, and the keys are transmitted using highly secure hardware tokens (usually smart cards) or special portable storage media (usually SSDs) with highly secure access protection for the data. Only highly secure storage media can be used for a one-time pad and thus for cryptography that is entirely free of mathematics (except for XOR).

DOI
10.1007/978-3-032-24764-3_5

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Abstract MKD (Memory Key Distribution) takes a completely different approach to QKD and RKD. With MKD, non-deterministic random number generators generate the cryptographic keys, and the keys are transmitted using highly secure hardware tokens (usually smart cards) or special portable storage media (usually SSDs) with highly secure access protection for the data. Only highly secure storage media can be used for a one-time pad and thus for cryptography that is entirely free of mathematics (except for XOR).
Abstract If the security assessments are not trusted, especially in cases of very high data security requirements, physical methods must be used for key generation and distribution, data encryption, and integrity and authenticity procedures. This ensures the confidentiality, integrity, and authenticity of the data against computationally powerful adversaries and mathematical attack methods that are still unknown (unpublished) today. This chapter provides an introduction to these topics, briefly compares mathematical methods, and discusses the generation and distribution of cryptographic keys, as well as QKD (Quantum Key Distribution), RKD (Radio signal Key Distribution), and MKD (Memeory Key Distribution).
Abstract This book is aimed at anyone interested in high data security in telecommunications and data storage, especially procurers, experts, and decision-makers. Anyone involved in procurement in this field makes decisions about algorithms, technologies, and providers, and thus also about infrastructure and security. The generation and distribution of keys for data encryption play a central role in this. Because security assessments for mathematical methods are based on assumptions, physical methods are becoming interesting in the high-security sector. They promise to link security more closely to the laws of nature. This raises the key question: Which technology is suitable for which application scenario, and what assumptions, costs, and operational risks are involved? This book provides answers and, for the first time, compares QKD (quantum key distribution), RKD (radio signal key distribution), and MKD (memory key distribution) in a common, comprehensible criteria grid: technology-neutral and practical. Secret key rates, ranges/attenuation, robustness, costs/infrastructure, standardization, and risks (implementation, integration, post-processing, side channels) are deliberately evaluated not as a ranking, but as a decision-making aid. QKD derives its security from the laws of quantum physics, but secret key rates decrease with increasing attenuation. Key management systems connect short QKD distances over longer distances, but only at the cost of additional attack surfaces (“trusted nodes”). Its use for mobile applications fails due to a lack of technical maturity. Very high financial costs and high maintenance requirements for QKD solutions make them not very suitable. RKD utilizes the reciprocal physical properties of a radio link and scores points for its low technical complexity, excellent suitability for mobile applications (e.g., vehicles or drones), and very low costs. However, RKD falls far short of the key rates achieved by QKD solutions and is still limited to shorter distances. In addition, there is no established infrastructure for distributing key material to more than two partners. MKD takes a completely different approach: each party produces key material, stores it on a data carrier, and transports it physically to the other party. Because MKD can securely transfer 16 TB of key material in a single transport, only MKD has the potential to continuously provide a one-time pad (OTP) and thus provably 100% secure data encryption. The price is organizational responsibility: secure generation, storage, transport, and documented chain of custody. The book examines data security in telecommunications and data storage, discusses three new encryption methods specifically designed for QKD and RKD, and addresses the question of when “OTP-like” security is more practical than theoretical purity. The result of approximately one year of source-critical research and the comparison of literature, manufacturer specifications, and practical observations with systematic cross-checking and our own R&D activities, this book helps to justify architecture and procurement decisions, locate risks (side channels, misconfigurations, logistical vulnerabilities), and separate “security gains” from “new attack surfaces.”
Currently many symmetric key cryptographic tools which are known to be quantum-safe. They all share Secret symmetric keys through an untrusted medium which is usually done with public key methods which are prone to quantum attacks. One among the recommended solutions to the key distribution problem is Quantum Key Distribution (QKD). QKD utilizes an authenticated Communication channel along with a quantum communication channel so that a secret key is generated. Whatever may be the protocol to implement proposed QKD, they all need both a quantum channel, and an authenticated classical. OTP (One Time Pad) is used when two parties wish to communications have to share a key called pad. This pad is a randomly generated key and the length of the key should be equal to the message so it can be sent. The proposed QKD parameters that result in almost 35.67% smaller keys for quantum security and an implementation of QKD in network which is publicly available and usable in practice.
Abstract RKD (radio-signal key distribution) is a physical method for the secure generation and distribution of cryptographic keys. RKD uses radio signals above 30 MHz to calculate and distribute the keys and is known in the literature under various names, e.g., “physical layer key generation in wireless networks” or “wireless physical layer key agreement.” RKD exploits the unique physical properties of wireless radio channels. The method is based on two fundamental properties of high-frequency transmission: the inherent unpredictability (randomness) of channel properties and the reciprocity of radio transmission between two communication partners.
Quantum cryptography Ð quantum key distribution (QKD) Ð was one of the first fields of study of quantum information theory.It reached a mature scientific level and has been implemented in commercial systems for secure quantum communications.The key distribution problem is the central issue of symmetric cryptography.Quantum cryptography solves this problem on the basis of the fundamental laws of nature: the principles of quantum mechanics.Quantum key distribution is essentially matching two independent random sequences on the transmitting and receiving sides by exchanging quantum states.Required in addition to the quantum channel is an authentic classical communication channel.Both communication channels are open and vulnerable to a perpetrator's attack.To ensure the authenticity of the classical channel at initial system startup, a seed key is required, which is used to provide information-theoretic authentication.In essence, quantum cryptography systems are mechanisms for expanding this seed key.Subsequent sessions generate a quantum key, part of which is used for authentication, while another part is employed for other cryptographic purposes, such as encryption.An issue fundamental for quantum cryptography is the number of quantum key distribution sessions that can be conducted from the initial system launch until a new system reboot, when the cryptographic properties of the quantum keys reach a critical level, after which they can no longer be used for cryptographic purposes, and a new system reboot is needed.Although a number of reviews on quantum cryptography are currently available, this issue has not been discussed in detail.It is shown that for realistic parameters of quantum cryptography systems that are currently achievable, a QKD system can operate for I.
Modern-day secure communication is made possible via cryptography. Modern cryptographic algorithms are based on the process of factoring large integers into their primes, as they are intractable. But the cryptography we use nowadays is vulnerable to technological advances in computing power like quantum computing and evolution in math to quickly reverse one-way functions like factorization of large integers. Incorporating quantum physics concepts into cryptography is the answer, which results in an assessment of quantum cryptography. A unique type of cryptography known as quantum cryptography makes advantage of quantum mechanics to provide complete protection against the transmitted message. Quantum Key Distribution (QKD), a random binary key distribution used in quantum cryptography, enables communication participants to recognize unauthorized listeners. Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) is likely the most advanced quantum technology currently accessible with full-stack systems already in use. This project’s goal is to develop secure and encrypted communication between the parties with the help of a web application using the BB84 protocol.