Document Type
Article
Publication Date
7-21-2016
Abstract
Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) is an emerging cybersecurity technology which provides the means for two geographically separated parties to grow “unconditionally secure” symmetric cryptographic keying material. Unlike traditional key distribution techniques, the security of QKD rests on the laws of quantum mechanics and not computational complexity. This unique aspect of QKD is due to the fact that any unauthorized eavesdropping on the key distribution channel necessarily introduces detectable errors (Gisin, Ribordy, Tittel, & Zbinden, 2002). This attribute makes QKD desirable for high-security environments such as banking, government, and military applications. However, QKD is a nascent technology where implementation non-idealities can negatively impact system performance and security (Mailloux, Grimaila, Hodson, Baumgartner, & McLaughlin, 2015). While the QKD community is making progress towards the viability of QKD solutions, it is clear that more work is required to quantify the impact of such non-idealities in real-world QKD systems (Scarani & Kurtsiefer, 2009).
Source Publication
Journal of Cyber Security and Information Systems (CSIAC Journal) (ISSN 2836-7383 | e-ISSN 2836-7391)
Recommended Citation
Mailloux, L. O., Hodson, D. D., Grimaila, M. R., McLaughlin, C. V, & Baumgartner, G. B. (2016). Quantum Key Distribution: Boon or Bust. Journal of Cyber Security & Information Systems, 4(2), 18–25. https://www.csiac.org/journal-article/quantum-key-distribution-boon-or-bust/
Comments
CSIAC Journal is a publication of the Cybersecurity & Information Systems Information Analysis Center (CSIAC). CSIAC is a DoD Information Analysis Center (IAC) sponsored by the Defense Technical Information Center (DTIC) with policy oversight provided by the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense (OUSD) for Research and Engineering (R&E). CSIAC is operated by the SURVICE Engineering Company.