Implementation vulnerabilities in general quantum cryptography

Anqi Huang, Stefanie Barz, Erika Andersson, Vadim Makarov
2018 New Journal of Physics  
Quantum cryptography is information-theoretically secure owing to its solid basis in quantum mechanics. However, generally, initial implementations with practical imperfections might open loopholes, allowing an eavesdropper to compromise the security of a quantum cryptographic system. This has been shown to happen for quantum key distribution (QKD). Here we apply experience from implementation security of QKD to several other quantum cryptographic primitives. We survey quantum digital
more » ... , quantum secret sharing, source-independent quantum random number generation, quantum secure direct communication, and blind quantum computing. We propose how the eavesdropper could in principle exploit the loopholes to violate assumptions in these protocols, breaking their security properties. Applicable countermeasures are also discussed. It is important to consider potential implementation security issues early in protocol design, to shorten the path to future applications.
doi:10.1088/1367-2630/aade06 fatcat:f3uwzcswdfdlbchwfrv3bx3b74