Is Quantum Key Distribution the new Da Vinci Code in the Digital World?

Hello Techies!

The fancy world of the Da Vinci Code has the power to collect anyone’s attention. The secret code that Da Vinci put in to crack the holy grail remained uncracked for thousands of years.

You must be wondering why I started talking about Da Vinci Code all of a sudden. Well, that’s because it had historical & religious origins but now the world of technology has its own version of the Da Vinci Code.

Before mentioning its name, let’s thank quantum physics for introducing this revolutionary secret code!

So without any further delay, let me introduce you to QUANTUM KEY DISTRIBUTION!

In our previous blogs, we understood what quantum computing is and how it is redefining speed and security. Now let me take you deeper into the infinite world of quantum mechanics.

How Does Quantum Key Distribution Work?

As you know from our previous blogs Quantum computing works on the principle of qubits which is an equivalent of bits in the binary system. The quantum key distribution utilizes the same principle.

The two parties involved have optical fiber cables between them. On one side the light particles or the photons are transmitted. These photons are bundled up to make a stream of ones and zeros.

The concept of polarization is utilized to make this whole transmission unique and difficult to intercept by unauthorized parties.

The photons are polarized in different directions like horizontally, vertically, left diagonally, right diagonally, or even at various different angles. Only a few photons are passed through one type of directional filter. Then, another polarization is used and a few photons pass through it as well. This makes a pattern of polarization. At the receiving end, the receiver copies the same pattern of polarization.

This whole process makes the path of photons unique and impossible for any hacker to intercept.

TYPES OF QUANTUM KEY DISTRIBUTION

Though QKD can be performed in multiple ways, however, they are broadly categorized into two types.

Entanglement-based protocols: These protocols rely on quantum entanglement, where two particles are linked to form a single quantum state. The principle of entanglement means that measuring one particle affects the other. If a trusted node is compromised and altered, the other parties will be alerted.

Prepare-and-measure protocols: The aim of prepare-and-measure protocols is to measure unknown quantum states. They can be employed to detect potential data interceptions as well as instances of unauthorized access.

Other QKDs are based on different variables that fix the variable that encodes information based on different protocols. These are

• DV-QKD uses a photon detector to encode quantum information in variables to measure quantum states.
• CV-QKD sends light to a receiver and encodes quantum information on the amplitude and phase quadrants of a laser.

CHALLENGES OF QUANTUM KEY DISTRIBUTION

QKD is a new technology that is still undergoing trials and experiments. Hence, there are lots of challenges in implementing QKD. It has the following three primary challenges:

1. The integration of QKD – Every new technology is efficient only if it is easy to integrate with the current systems. QKD seems to be perfect in theory but in practice, it faces security challenges due to imperfections in the measuring tools. These infrastructure issues make it difficult to integrate with the existing systems.
2. The distance of photon travel- Normally, the photon can travel up to 100 km in modern fiber optic cables. This limits the range of Quantum Key Distribution through which the photons can be sent. Ultimately, it curbs the range through which the parties involved, can be secured.

BENEFITS OF QUANTUM KEY DISTRIBUTION

No matter how many challenges we might face in implementing QKD, its benefits are constantly keeping the scientists hooked to modify it. So it can be widely used by businesses for secured operations. Here are some benefits of Quantum Key Distribution

FINAL WORDS

The quantum world is full of opportunities. Our scientists and engineers are doing all that they can, to utilize the quantum power. Even India is all set to gain momentum and contribute to unlocking the doors of diverse opportunities in quantum security.

A joint team of scientists from the Defence Research and Development Organisation and Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, for the first time in the country successfully demonstrated the Quantum Key Distribution link between Prayagraj and Vindhyachal in Uttar Pradesh. It covered a distance of more than 100 kilometers. Source). This is indeed a proud moment for India.

With technical innovations taking place, at such a rapid pace in the quantum world, its future seems to be bright.

How would you like to incorporate Quantum Key Distribution in securing your organization?

To learn more about qubits in quantum computing, read our blog The Quantum Revolution from Bits to Qubits

Do not forget to read our blogs on Quantum Cryptography and Quantum Error Correction

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