Analysis of the Security of BB84 by Model Checking

TL;DR

This paper applies probabilistic model checking using the PRISM tool to analyze the security of the BB84 quantum key distribution protocol, focusing on eavesdropping detection and how it is influenced by channel parameters and eavesdropper power.

Contribution

It introduces a novel approach using probabilistic model checking to verify security properties of BB84, addressing verification challenges of quantum cryptographic devices.

Findings

Eavesdropping detection is affected by quantum channel parameters.

Eavesdropper's power influences detection effectiveness.

Model checking provides insights into protocol security under various conditions.

Abstract

Quantum Cryptography or Quantum key distribution (QKD) is a technique that allows the secure distribution of a bit string, used as key in cryptographic protocols. When it was noted that quantum computers could break public key cryptosystems based on number theory extensive studies have been undertaken on QKD. Based on quantum mechanics, QKD offers unconditionally secure communication. Now, the progress of research in this field allows the anticipation of QKD to be available outside of laboratories within the next few years. Efforts are made to improve the performance and reliability of the implemented technologies. But several challenges remain despite this big progress. The task of how to test the apparatuses of QKD For example did not yet receive enough attention. These devises become complex and demand a big verification effort. In this paper we are interested in an approach based on the technique of probabilistic model checking for studying quantum information. Precisely, we use the PRISM tool to analyze the security of BB84 protocol and we are focused on the specific security property of eavesdropping detection. We show that this property is affected by the parameters of quantum channel and the power of eavesdropper.