Quantum-Inspired Cryptographic Protocols for Key Exchange

Jincheng Zhang

Published Sep 5, 2026• 0 citations

Abstract

This paper investigates the potential of incorporating quantum-inspired concepts into cryptographic protocols, specifically focusing on key exchange. The core idea revolves around utilizing superposition and interference, principles frequently associated with quantum mechanics, to bolster the security and efficiency of established key exchange mechanisms. We propose a modified Diffie-Hellman key exchange protocol where the shared secret is generated through a novel quantum-inspired random number generator (QIRNG). This QIRNG is designed to mimic aspects of quantum randomness without relying on actual quantum hardware. The protocol's security analysis is presented, highlighting its resilience against known classical attacks. Furthermore, we discuss the implications of utilizing QIRNGs for improving key exchange speed and potentially reducing the computational burden compared to traditional approaches. The effectiveness of this approach is demonstrated through mathematical formulations and a theoretical evaluation of the protocol's security properties.

DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.22339338

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