STO-Activities: (no title)
Activity title:
Multi-Domain Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) for Military Usage
Activity Reference:
IST-218
Panel:
IST
Security Classification:
NATO UNCLASSIFIED
Status:
Active
Activity type:
RTG
Start date:
2024-06-03T00:00:00Z
Actual End date:
2027-06-03T00:00:00Z
Keywords:
Communication Networks, Quantum Communications, Quantum Key Distribution QKD, Quantum Technologies QT, Secure Communications, Secure Computation
Background:
Soon, quantum computers could address complex mathematical problems intractable using classical computers. Asymmetric cryptography algorithms can be used to exchange cryptographic keys. However, asymmetric cryptography algorithms tend to be computationally complex, and some are known to be vulnerable to quantum computer attacks in polynomial time. The vulnerability of asymmetric cryptographic algorithms to quantum computer attacks can expose secret information previously exchanged. Quantum key distribution (QKD) uses quantum resources to exchange cryptographic keys without using asymmetric cryptographic algorithms. QKD is robust to quantum computer attacks. QKD can distribute symmetric keys, which allow secure communication services, and oblivious keys, which allow secure computation services. However, QKD faces several challenges: technological immaturity, lack of standardization and certification, the need for a key-management layer, undefined procedures for installation, integration, and operation concurrently with standard telecommunication infrastructures, and tendentially high implementation and operational costs.
Objectives:
The research task group should define security requirements for QKD networks for military usage, define and run military use cases in QKD networks, assess the possible integration of terrestrial, aerial, satellite, and underwater communications in software-defined QKD in military usage, assess the feasibility of implementing quantum-secure links and quantum-secure multiparty computation services on the battlefield using QKD. The research task group should also analyze how QKD can be integrated with classical cryptographic technologies, namely with post-quantum solutions, and quantify the advantages and disadvantages of using QKD. Scenarios, where QKD presents a significant advantage, should be identified.
Topics:
• Quantum information transmission
• Quantum cryptography
• Quantum key distribution
• Secure communication
• Secure computation
• Software-defined networks
Contact:
Open2Partners:
Title:
Created at 18/10/2023 12:00 by System Account
Last modified at 16/05/2024 09:00 by System Account
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