Quantum key security steps outside the box

  • 21 October 2014
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'Device independent' proof a step closer ... if you obey the laws of physics

By Richard Chirgwin, 21 Oct 2014  US researchers have come a step closer to turning quantum key distribution (QKD) into a “black box” that can be made provably secure regardless of whose boxes sit at each end of a link.
In creating a quantum crypto implementation, researchers rely on models of the systems they've created as proofs of their security. That means any proof of a quantum key distribution scheme is only as complete as the model.
 A good example of how an incomplete modelling of a system's physics can be seen is the 2010 argument over whether or not quantum key distribution systems from MagiQ, ID Quantique and others could be forced into an insecure state by “blinding” their avalanche photon-detectors.
Such attacks can be thwarted, however, if the security proof (and the protocol that implements it) can be made device independent.
 
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