Q-CERT · Quantum Key Distribution Certification

Quantum Key Distribution Certification

The project Q-CERT has gathered industrial and academic partners with strong scientific and technical backgrounds in quantum key distribution (QKD) technology, in order to establish research partnerships focused on one common high-level objective: strengthen the security of practical QKD systems by developing techniques and standards (both at the hardware and software level) that will allow cryptographic security evaluation and certification At the hardware level, we have conducted systematic studies of the potential vulnerabilities of several QKD systems, by testing experimentally the feasibility of attacks on the optical and electronic layer of the systems. We have in response implemented practical countermeasures and tested their efficiency. We have also contributed to develop the theoretical security proof of the modern Coherent One Way QKD protocol. At the software level, we have developed an essential part of practical quantum key distribution protocols: key distillation software, both for discrete (DV) and continuous variable (CV) QKD. We have developed software libraries for key distillation and demonstrated an net increase in performance, either in terms of efficiency (for CVQKD) or speed (for hardware-based LPDC reconciliation in DVQKD). This library in particular includes a state-of-the-art error correction module, based on unidirectional LDPC codes, or polar codes. In order to increase the impact of our work, our research has been disseminated in international research papers and in the main science conferences in quantum information and cryptography. One of the main outcome of Q-CERT is the first Common Criteria certification, at the international level of a quantum hardware equipment, used for random number generation. In addition, two efficient and implementable techniques have been demonstrated against blinding attacks in DVQKD and attacks on shot noise calibration in CVQKD. Two patents have been filed and accepted. Finally, the work performed in Q-CERT is also been integrated in security QKD security standards, via the participation of the ETSI QKD ISG. The development of such security assurance procedures is expected to greatly strengthen the practical security of quantum key distribution (QKD) systems and in return the economical uptake of this technology

Data: CORDIS, © European Union