Towards a Quantum-Secure Future: Exploring QKD as a Complement to PQC (Q30b)
The advent of quantum computing heralds a new era of cryptographic challenges, necessitating a reassessment of traditional security measures, particularly concerning conventional key exchange algorithms. While Post Quantum Cryptography (PQC) stands as the best short- and mid-term alternative—a consensus shared by both the European certification body and the NSA—the long-term security of PQC algorithms remains uncertain. Given that quantum key distribution (QKD) security relies on physical laws, it emerges as a potential solution for long-term secure key exchange. However, the implementation of QKD protocols is susceptible to various types of attacks if not executed meticulously. In this talk, state-of-the-art QKD protocols are presented, potential attacks on real-world implementations are discussed from the perspective of an evaluation lab, and the subsequent steps toward certification of QKD devices are outlined.