Insider-proof encryption with applications for quantum key distribution

TL;DR

This paper introduces insider-proof encryption channels to securely reuse devices with memory in quantum key distribution, addressing key leakage issues in device-independent protocols.

Contribution

It proposes a new insider-proof channel concept that enables secure device reuse in quantum key distribution with bounded leakage to adversaries.

Findings

Addresses key leakage in repeated device-independent quantum key distribution

Introduces insider-proof channels for secure device reuse

Provides a framework to bound information leakage to Eve

Abstract

It has been pointed out that current protocols for device independent quantum key distribution can leak key to the adversary when devices are used repeatedly and that this issue has not been addressed. We introduce the notion of an insider-proof channel. This allows us to propose a means by which devices with memories could be reused from one run of a device independent quantum key distribution protocol to the next while bounding the leakage to Eve, under the assumption that one run of the protocol could be completed securely using devices with memories.