Creation of backdoors in quantum communications via laser damage

TL;DR

This paper demonstrates that laser damage can create security vulnerabilities in practical quantum communication systems by inducing side channels, highlighting the need for rigorous testing to ensure security.

Contribution

It introduces a laser-damage attack method that can modify device behavior and create side channels in quantum communication systems, revealing a new security risk.

Findings

Laser damage can induce side channels in QC devices

Modified devices can be exploited for security breaches

Existing QC systems require testing for laser-induced vulnerabilities

Abstract

Practical quantum communication (QC) protocols are assumed to be secure provided implemented devices are properly characterized and all known side channels are closed. We show that this is not always true. We demonstrate a laser-damage attack capable of modifying device behaviour on-demand. We test it on two practical QC systems for key distribution and coin-tossing, and show that newly created deviations lead to side channels. This reveals that laser damage is a potential security risk to existing QC systems, and necessitates their testing to guarantee security.