Securing a Quantum Key Distribution Network Using Secret Sharing

TL;DR

This paper introduces a novel method for securing quantum key distribution relay networks by employing secret sharing over a single physical path with logical channels, enhancing security against attacks.

Contribution

It proposes a new secret sharing technique using logical channels and a random drop-out scheme to improve security in quantum key distribution networks.

Findings

Secure quantum relay networks with logical channels

Effective against relay compromise attacks

Simplifies physical infrastructure requirements

Abstract

We present a simple new technique to secure quantum key distribution relay networks using secret sharing. Previous techniques have relied on creating distinct physical paths in order to create the shares. We show, however, how this can be achieved on a single physical path by creating distinct logical channels. The technique utilizes a random 'drop-out' scheme to ensure that an attacker must compromise all of the relays on the channel in order to access the key.