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Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) Explained
QKD is still an effective option for secure communication in the quantum computer era because it has no equivalent security characteristics that are based on quantum mechanical properties.
BB84 and E91 Protocols: How They Work?
BB84 Protocol
The BB84 protocol, developed by Charles Bennett and Gilles Brassard in 1984, is the first and most widely used quantum key distribution (QKD) method. It uses photon polarization to encode binary information, ensuring secure communication. Alice (the sender of a message or quantum information) transmits photons in four possible states, while Bob (the receiver of the message) measures them using random bases. After transmission, they compare bases and retain matching bits to form a shared key. Due to the no-cloning theorem, any eavesdropping introduces detectable errors. BB84 is widely used in finance, defense, and healthcare to protect sensitive data against quantum computing threats.
E91 Protocol
The E91 protocol, proposed by Artur Ekert in 1991, relies on quantum entanglement for secure key distribution. Entangled photon pairs are generated and shared between Alice and Bob, with their measurements showing strong correlations. These correlations enable them to establish a shared key while detecting any eavesdropping attempts, as interference disrupts entanglement. E91 enhances security in quantum communications.
Security Features and Eavesdropping Detection
Quantum cryptography accomplishes safe communication through the use of the principles of superposition, entanglement, and the no-cloning theorem to enable the detection of eavesdropping and quantum computing-resistant encryption.
Tamper Detection: Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) is based on principles of superposition and entanglement to facilitate the detection of eavesdropping. While an eavesdropper measures quantum states, it alters them, causing errors that are visible to Alice and Bob.
No-Cloning Theorem: This principle prevents quantum states from being copied without detection, which prevents attackers from making copies of encrypted data and enabling secure key exchange.
Error Thresholds: During key verification, if the error rate exceeds a certain limit, it signals possible eavesdropping. In such cases, communication is immediately stopped to maintain security.
Quantum Secure Direct Communication (QSDC)
QSDC provides secure transmission of secret messages without shared keys. In contrast to QKD with key exchange, QSDC securely transmits actual messages in quantum state form. Quantum mechanical laws, such as the no-cloning theorem, detect eavesdropping for QSDC. Laboratory experiments using free-space and satellite QSDC verify its functionality for long-distance communication. Limitations such as noise, loss of photons, and scalability reduce the speed, and thus it is not popularly used.
Quantum Random Number Generation (QRNG)
QRNG applies quantum mechanics to produce genuine random numbers for cryptographic purposes. Unlike classical pseudo-random generators, QRNG produces non-deterministic outputs based on phenomena of quantum mechanics, i.e., photon measurement and vacuum fluctuations. Non-determinism offers cryptographically secure keys that are not susceptible to attack. QRNG is already deployed in commercial hardware to a large degree, adding more security to secure communication and cryptography systems and thereby becoming a leading-edge technology for future-proof encryption.
Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC) and Hybrid Models
PQC relies on quantum-resistant primitives based on hard computational problems such as lattice-based cryptography. Standardization processes, such as NIST's choice of CRYSTALS-KYBER, are defining worldwide quantum-safe cryptography. Hybrid models integrate PQC with quantum communications protocols, such as QSDC, and offer computational and information-theoretic security. PQC integration into quantum networks offers organizations greater security against both classical and quantum attacks, paving the way for secure cryptographic infrastructures.
it's possible that many organizations are collecting and storing
there are even smarter criminals
Amen