Backflash light as a security vulnerability in quantum key distribution systems

Research output: Chapter in book/report/conference proceedingContribution to book/anthologyResearchpeer review

Authors

  • Ivan Vybornyi
  • Abderrahmen Trichili
  • Mohamed Slim Alouini

External Research Organisations

  • King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST)
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Details

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationPhysical Layer Security
PublisherSpringer International Publishing AG
Pages83-97
Number of pages15
ISBN (electronic)9783030553661
ISBN (print)9783030553654
Publication statusPublished - 2021
Externally publishedYes

Abstract

Based on the fundamental rules of quantum mechanics, two communicating parties can generate and share a secret random key that can be used to encrypt and decrypt messages sent over an insecure channel. This process is known as quantum key distribution (QKD). Contrary to classical encryption schemes, the security of a QKD system does not depend on the computational complexity of specific mathematical problems. However, QKD systems can be subject to different kinds of attacks, exploiting engineering, and technical imperfections of the components forming the systems. Here, we review the security vulnerabilities of QKD. We mainly focus on a particular effect known as backflash light, which can be a source of eavesdropping attacks. We equally highlight the method for quantifying backflash emission and the different ways to mitigate this effect.

Keywords

    Backflash effect, Eavesdropping attacks, Quantum cryptography, Quantum hacking, Quantum key distribution, Single photons

ASJC Scopus subject areas

Cite this

Backflash light as a security vulnerability in quantum key distribution systems. / Vybornyi, Ivan; Trichili, Abderrahmen; Alouini, Mohamed Slim.
Physical Layer Security. Springer International Publishing AG, 2021. p. 83-97.

Research output: Chapter in book/report/conference proceedingContribution to book/anthologyResearchpeer review

Vybornyi, I, Trichili, A & Alouini, MS 2021, Backflash light as a security vulnerability in quantum key distribution systems. in Physical Layer Security. Springer International Publishing AG, pp. 83-97. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-55366-1_4
Vybornyi, I., Trichili, A., & Alouini, M. S. (2021). Backflash light as a security vulnerability in quantum key distribution systems. In Physical Layer Security (pp. 83-97). Springer International Publishing AG. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-55366-1_4
Vybornyi I, Trichili A, Alouini MS. Backflash light as a security vulnerability in quantum key distribution systems. In Physical Layer Security. Springer International Publishing AG. 2021. p. 83-97 Epub 2021 Jan 25. doi: 10.1007/978-3-030-55366-1_4
Vybornyi, Ivan ; Trichili, Abderrahmen ; Alouini, Mohamed Slim. / Backflash light as a security vulnerability in quantum key distribution systems. Physical Layer Security. Springer International Publishing AG, 2021. pp. 83-97
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